Following discussions among district administrators and board members, LT has decided not to move forward with a proposed international trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico, originally planned for spring break. The decision, based primarily on U.S. State Department travel advisories, reflects the district’s ongoing emphasis on student safety while balancing the value of cultural learning experiences, officials said. 

“Due to the fact that the U.S. state department has identified Cuernavaca as an area of the world with a Level 3 (reconsider travel) travel advisory, I have made the decision to not bring this trip forward for additional board consideration,” Superintendent Brian Waterman said. 

According to Waterman, the Level 3 advisory was the sole factor behind the cancellation, also stating there were no other reasons that factored into the decision. The Spanish immersion trip would have provided students with a cultural and language experience and was being organized by LT’s Spanish teachers. Waterman reviewed the travel advisory and ultimately determined that it did not meet the school’s safety standards for student trips abroad. 

From the Board of Education’s (BOE) perspective, safety remains the guiding principle in any decision regarding student travel, both domestic and international. 

“Safety is paramount when it comes to anything related to education,” BOE President Tim Albores said. “In order for our students to learn, they must be in a safe, supportive environment. This holds true in the classroom, activities and athletics, and educational experiences outside of the classroom.” 

Board members and administrators frequently collaborate to ensure that such decisions are made with both diligence and transparency. 

“We work very closely with the Superintendent,” Albores said. “The board relies on the Superintendent to provide thorough information, context, and recommendations so that we can make informed decisions. This often involves detailed discussions prior to and during board meetings to ensure clarity and alignment before any action is taken.” 

Although the trip’s cancellation came as a disappointment to students and staff hoping to participate, district officials emphasized that safety considerations will always take precedence. 

“Our sponsors will be looking for options that provide an immersive educational experience that will have a positive impact on students,” Waterman said. “However, our primary goal is student safety. As a result, we will consider any trips that involve locations that the U.S. State Department identifies as a Level 1 or Level 2 advisory.”

While the decision halted this year’s travel plans, administrators are already looking ahead to 2026 for possible new destinations that meet the district’s standards. Waterman said the next proposal will prioritize countries where the travel advisory indicates minimal risk, along with opportunities for meaningful cultural engagement. According to Albores, the board will continue to approach future international proposals with the same balance of caution and opportunity. 

“While I can’t speak for the entire board, I believe we share a unified commitment to ensuring student safety remains our foremost consideration when evaluating any trip proposals,” Albores said. “At the same time, we recognize the immense educational value these experiences can offer and will continue to seek ways to provide them responsibly and safely.” 

The district’s review process for field trips is already designed to assess risk and ensure safety, Waterman said, noting that the Cuernavaca decision did not prompt any special policy changes. 

“While this trip has not specifically prompted any review, we always regularly review all overnight trips processes and procedures,” Waterman said. 

Though this year’s international plans were cut short, LT officials say the experience has reaffirmed the importance of aligning safety measures with educational opportunity. As the district looks toward future trips, the goal remains clear: creating enriching global experiences while keeping student well-being at the forefront.