Despite Tensions, Southington BoE Says 'Yes' To China Field Trip

SOUTHINGTON, CT — On the geopolitical stage, China and the United States have had more than their fair share of differences.

In fact, the relationship between the two countries can best be described as tense right now, especially as differences over the future of China, the U.S. and Taiwan could lead to war in upcoming years. China's role in the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has also been a sore spot politically.

But despite that tension and some concerns, the Southington Board of Education recently approved a field trip to China for Southington High School students and staff in the world languages department.

The vote to approve was unanimous, but it was also conditional, with board members always having the authority to cancel a trip at any time for any reason.

School board members unanimously approved the 2024 trips, for now, offering bipartisan support.

"The only one that I have a problem with, in my head right now, is the one in Beijing because of world situations right now," said Democratic school board member Zaya Oshuna.

Tina Riccio, chairperson of SHS' world languages department, explained the situation to the board of education April 27, saying SHS has brokered student/faculty field trips to China in the past.

She said, above all, student and staff safety always come first and the department does purchase cancelation insurance should the trip, slated for next year, be canceled for whatever reason.

"Student safety and staff safety is always a priority. I will remind you that we have gone to China before," Riccio told board members.

While no specific U.S. State Department notices have been given out about travel to China, should that change, then the trip would, likely, be canceled.

Riccio said she monitors State Department alerts regularly.

According to Riccio, who said she watches news in English, French and Italian, world news is presented in many different ways and interpreted geopolitical situations vary.

For example, Riccio told the board the U.S. is considered a dangerous place for many foreigners.

According to Riccio, there's always a chance for conflict abroad, but that shouldn't keep people from refraining for potentially educational and memorable travel experiences.

"There's always bad stuff going on in the world and if we didn't go every time the U.S. could potentially be in a conflict, you would never go," Riccio said.

Both Democrats and Republicans on the school board agreed.

"If we went by safety for everything, we'd all live in our basements. I think this is such a pheonomenal opportunity for our students," said Republican school board vice-chairman Joe Baczewski "I think this is great. This is absolutely awesome."

"I have a lot of faith in what you've done over the years. You are right. You can't believe everything you read in the papers. I have a lot of faith in what you've done in the past," said Democratic school board member David Derynoski to Riccio.

"I'm in favor of all three trips."

In addition to the China trip, the school board also OK'd less controversial field trips to Spain and France.

For the minutes of the April 27 Southington Board of Education meeting, click on this link.