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D97 officials propose eighth-grade trip to Nashville; board raises access and safety questions
Summary
District staff proposed an eighth-grade trip to Nashville after a student vote favored that destination. The board discussed participation rates, projected costs, and equity and safety concerns; no final approval was recorded—vote planned at a later date.
District staff presented a proposal for the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 eighth-grade field trip to Nashville, Tenn., at the Sept. 16 board meeting after students voted between two options. The presentation and subsequent board discussion focused on participation trends, costs, accessibility for students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, and safety and inclusivity concerns.
Overview and vote: Staff said 73% of the eighth-grade class participated in the student vote and 53.1% of those students chose Nashville as the destination. The trip is tentatively scheduled for March; staff said they planned to finalize details in October if the board gives direction.
Costs and equity: Staff reviewed past participation rates (45% in SY23, 55% in SY24, 52% last year) and estimated financial support for families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Oak Park Township provides up to $300 per qualifying student who requests assistance; staff estimated the district paid roughly $106,000 in fees for 62 students in SY23, about $31,000 the following year, and projected up to $63,000 on the high end for this year based on current participation estimates. Staff said the number of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch has fallen from 132 to 118 this year and that they used those figures to estimate the financial impact.
Logistics and concerns: Board members questioned itinerary timing and travel fatigue (two travel days, one main day on site), and asked whether the district surveys past participants to learn what parts of prior trips students found meaningful. Several board members raised safety and inclusion concerns about travel to southern states, including family worry about the current national climate and whether the trip plan accounts for students of mixed immigration status. Staff said they will consult vendors and vendors’ protocols and include protections and communication for families; they also flagged the importance of carefully planning itineraries and family outreach.
Process and next steps: Staff requested action on Sept. 30 and said that if the board indicates general consensus they will continue planning and present a formal action item for approval. Several board members said they supported continuing planning but requested that staff return with a clear plan for family meetings, an explanation of itinerary choices, and more student and family engagement in designing the trip.
Speakers: The planned presentation was led by Dr. Lofton. Board members asking questions included Joan, Gavin and others who raised safety and equity matters; staff repeatedly noted the district will provide more outreach to families and work with vendors on safety protocols.
Why it matters: Eighth-grade field trips are a major district logistical effort and a costly program for families and the district. The board’s questions reflect concerns about access, equity and family comfort given current national events; the district plans additional outreach before a formal vote.
