Incidents on prior international school trips contributed to EPSB cancelling them, superintendent says
Posted June 10, 2026 9:12 am.
Last Updated June 10, 2026 9:16 am.
A tense moment on a recent student trip overseas is an example of why Edmonton Public Schools decided to cancel international trips.
That’s according to EPSB superintendent Ron Thompson, who said that particular incident happened in a European country.
“The principal actually happened to be on the trip with the group, and actually asked the hotel manager, ‘could you please lock the doors and do you have a secure place for us to be in until this conflict passes,’” Thompson told reporters Tuesday following the EPSB’s monthly board meeting.
“That was in a country that I would not have thought that this would be an issue.”
Edmonton Public Schools says that incident is part of broader, global issues that ultimately led to the decision, including security concerns, military conflicts, public-health issues and a global fuel shortage. Thompson clarifies the decision was not driven by division costs like insurance.
EPSB announced last week it was pausing international trips and exchanges for the 2026-27 school year.
That means previously approved trips to the U.K., Portugal, France and Thailand have been cancelled. Refunds are expected for families who had a trip approved next school year.
Thompson took questions from trustees at Tuesday’s meeting, with many saying they have been getting emails from parents.
EPSB Chair Saadiq Sumar says he supports the division’s decision but acknowledged parents would have questions.
“We’re hearing anecdotes from staff and from students that are currently on trips or have recently returned from trips that raise some questions, raise some concerns and really makes us rethink our decisions,” Sumar said.
Supt. Thompson says he talked to school principals about the decision, and he’s urging schools to explore the Great White North instead.
“We’re actually providing our schools, our families with opportunities to hopefully explore some opportunities within Canada,” said Thompson.
“These experiences for kids are really important. Their growth, and the educational piece that goes along with these are huge.”
Thompson says the issue will be revisited in the fall. Though for many students, it may be too late for their senior trip.
