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Board approves district field trips and fundraisers; members question phone-lock fees and trampoline safety
Summary
The board approved field trips and fundraising requests for the 2025–26 year and discussed school-specific practices including a $20 cell-phone locker fee/confiscation policy and safety waivers for a trampoline-park reward trip.
The Burke County Board of Education approved district field trips and fundraising requests for the 2025–26 school year during its Aug. 19 meeting after brief questions about safety and fees.
Approval and scope: The superintendent’s staff presented six field-trip and fundraiser requests covering multiple schools; a motion to approve the requests was seconded and passed by show-of-hands vote.
Questions raised: A board member asked for details about a cell-phone locker and confiscation policy at the Burke County Life Center. A school representative explained students place phones in a school-owned locker and pay $20 at the beginning of the year to cover the cost of the locker; the fee also functions as a confiscation fee when students are required to turn in phones and receive them back at day’s end. The presenter said payment covers the locker purchase and that students may use the locker for the full year.
The board also questioned a proposed reward trip for middle-school students to a trampoline park. A school representative said the trip is a venue option for students who reach proficiency levels on GMAS; the site requires signed waivers and the schools perform safety checks. Board members asked specifically about safety measures and footwear rules; staff replied that signed waivers were obtained, standard safety and supervision measures are required and that certain footwear (for example, crocs) may be restricted at some venues.
Why it matters: Field trips and fundraisers involve district liability, student safety protocols and permission/waiver processes. The discussion covered both routine approvals and school-level safety practices that the board can review in policy.
Board action: Motion to approve field trips and fundraisers was made and seconded; the board approved the item by show of hands with no recorded objections.
Next steps: Staff and school sponsors will ensure waivers and safety plans are in place and that any fee or locker policies adhere to district rules; board members may request further details if concerns persist.
