The London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) says it’s business as usual for trips and excursions to the United States, while the public board has opted to put a pause on any new trips stateside.
“I was asked to respond to some questions about international field trips, especially those to the United States. Our approach has been consistent with other school boards across the province, and consultation I’ve made with other directors,” explained Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) Director Bill Tucker at Tuesday’s board meeting.
Officials with the board revealed that any field trips already planned to the U.S. will go ahead, but the board is not planning any further cross border trips.
A total of 11 trips to the U.S. are already scheduled between now and May 22, including trips and excursions to destinations like New York, Chicago, Cleveland, and elsewhere. The board tells CTV News contingency plans are in place for cross-border trips, including staff members driving separately to the border in case support is necessary.
Superintendent Jeff Beynon told the board Tuesday that affected families are being kept in the loop.
“Letters have or will be sent out to families that provide additional resources. Planning is taking place at the school level to help answer questions and be prepared. Our current approach to U.S. field trips does align with other boards that we have been in contact with,” said Beynon.
In the meantime, the catholic board says it has not changed its policy on school trips stateside, however, it’s monitoring Government of Canada travel advisories.
As of now, the only U.S. trip planned within the catholic board is a robotics team from St. Joseph’s in St. Thomas attending an event in Texas next month.
