Provo board reviews performing‑arts out‑of‑state travel; directors outline selection and fundraising

Provo City School Board members on Sept. 9 reviewed plans from district performing‑arts staff for out‑of‑state student trips to Washington, D.C., Boston and New York, and raised questions about selection criteria, fundraising and classroom time missed. Presenters described an alternating schedule of trips: a Washington, D.C., trip in 2024, Boston in 2025 and planned D.C. travel in 2026. They said groups typically number about 32–36 students with three adults per group. "We usually take a group, sometimes 32, sometimes 36," the presenter said, explaining students meet twice a month after school for preparation, complete assignments tied to memorials and museums, and perform or attend workshops relevant to their area of study. Board members asked how students are chosen and whether trips remain affordable under a $2,000 student fee cap. The presenter said selection uses a written application, scored by teachers, with alternates admitted if spaces open. Fundraising examples included Swig card sales, Krispy Kreme sales and department‑wide concerts; staff said past trips have been operated within budget despite rising travel costs and that chaperone fees are funded separately from the student fee. The presenter said, "we did it at the 1,800" (referring to a previous trip cost) and that price increases for flights and hotels have been absorbed by fundraising and planning. The board discussed landing times and school attendance after trips; staff said they follow district policy limiting travel to missing two school days and that families must decide whether students attend school immediately after return. A board member asked whether cheaper nonstop flights (for example Breeze) had been considered; staff said travel agents had worked to find the best price for the group and that group size can affect fares. Board members asked for sensitivity to student academic time and asked staff to revisit itinerary timing where feasible. The board did not vote on travel but moved the trip requests to the business agenda for consideration. Directors asked staff to provide trip details, funding plans and assurances about student selection and academic coordination before final approval.