Poland Superintendent Janofa says state informed him of field trip violations

POLAND

School-district officials dispute the version of a story regarding school field trips that has circulated throughout the community, and which was presented by a high-school student at a board meeting this week.

In an interview today, Superintendent David Janofa said school officials were made aware in April by a state agency that the district had on several occasions violated a state law that prohibits districts from charging transportation fees to students for educational field trips during school days.

“This is the first time in my three years [with the district] this has come up. It’s been addressed,” Janofa said. “It falls right with me. I take full responsibility.”

Janofa said the issue was brought to his attention by high-school Principal Kevin Snyder, who reportedly was informed by the district transportation supervisor about the notification from the state agency. When Janofa learned of the issue, he said, he immediately advised Snyder the practice was in violation of state law and needed to end, and Snyder notified teachers the practice would no longer be permitted.

Janofa said the district is working to make sure it is fully in compliance with state law and to find alternative funding mechanisms for trips. He said no field trips were canceled as a direct result of the finding and that there are no plans for cancellations in the future.

That account is in opposition to one presented by Jeff Vrabel Jr., a junior at Poland Seminary High School, who contended at a school-board meeting Monday he has been cast as a scapegoat by teachers and administrators after he questioned the high school’s previous practice of charging students transportation fees for field trips.

Read more about the matter in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.