Central Bucks To Again Consider D.C. Trips After Vaccine Mandate Change

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Central Bucks school trips to Washington, D.C. could now go forward after the city lifted its vaccine mandate for some indoor establishments, the district superintendent announced Monday.

Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh said that Central Bucks will resume placing trips to D.C. before the school board for approval.

The announcement came after Muriel Bowser, D.C.'s mayor, unexpectedly announced that the city's vaccine mandate for indoor spaces would end Tuesday. She also said the mask mandate for indoor spaces will be allowed to expire at the end of the month.

"Prior to today’s announcement, the city’s vaccination mandate status and potential impact on accessibility for students and chaperones was factored into decisions regarding trips," Lucabaugh said.

The district recently attracted substantial attention when the board of school directors voted down Tamanend Middle School's proposed ninth-grade trip to visit numerous D.C. memorials and monuments, including the Holocaust Museum. The board cited concerns about the ability for unvaccinated students to eat or use the restroom while out and about in the city with chaperones.

Board member Lisa Sciscio, who was one of the most prominent voices against the trip due to the city's vaccine mandate, at one point suggested students could go to Dorney Park and "learn about roller coasters" instead.

Ultimately, all board members voted against the trip with the exception of Karen Smith (and Dr. Mariam Mahmud, who was absent).

"Historically, the district has enthusiastically supported these trips to our nation’s capital, allowing Central Bucks students the opportunity to visit important national museums and monuments as a relevant supplement to our curriculum," Lucabaugh said Monday.

He added, "The district actively promotes and values these experiences, and will continue working to provide future opportunities for students to engage in these meaningful endeavors."

It is unclear whether Tamanend's trip will be reconsidered for approval.

The Central Bucks Board of School Directors will meet next on March 8.

Related:

• Central Bucks Will No Longer Update COVID-19 Cases: Superintendent
• Backlash For Central Bucks Over Washington D.C. Trip Cancellation

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