EdLawConnect Blog

Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, section 55220 has long provided community college districts with immunity from claims for injuries sustained on field trips and excursions, including travel related to interscholastic athletic events.  While California courts have recognized that the immunity provision allows districts to enhance the educational experience by reducing exposure to injury claims and thereby lessening costs (Sanchez v. San Diego County Office of Education (2010) 182 Cal.App.4th 1580, 1584), a California Court of Appeal recently clarified the extent of this protection.

Under the Civic Center Act (Education Code Section 38130 et seq.), every public school facility is considered a civic center where citizens, school-community councils, and clubs, as well as senior, recreation, education, political, artistic, and other organizations may meet. A school district may grant use of school facilities and grounds upon certain terms and conditions deemed proper by the governing ...

When Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1404 into law on September 29, 2012, the Civic Center Act (Education Code section 38130 et seq.) was amended to expand the definition of direct costs that a school district governing board may charge for use of its school facilities or grounds. The amendment also removed language that limited the requirement to allow use to “when an alternate location is not available.” ...