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Board hears presentation on proposed EF Tours for middle school; first trip to Rome/Pompeii planned for spring 2027
Summary
A district staff member proposed expanding EF Tours to middle school students, starting with a spring 2027 Rome and Pompeii trip estimated at $4,109 per student. The board will vote on the first trip at a subsequent meeting.
District staff presented a proposal to offer EF Tours to middle school students and asked the board to place the first trip—Rome and Pompeii in spring 2027—on a future agenda for approval.
Dr. Battaglia told the Jersey Shore Area SD board that EF Tours offers programs tailored to middle-school students, emphasizing cultural awareness, collaboration and hands-on learning. "It raises cultural awareness for students and I think that's something that everyone can benefit from," Dr. Battaglia said.
If approved, the district plans to target students who are in fifth, sixth and seventh grades at the kickoff (so the traveling group will be sixth through eighth graders when the trip occurs). The proposed Rome/Pompeii trip is estimated at $4,109 per student, with a monthly payment plan of $183 over 22 months if families enroll early. Dr. Battaglia described EF’s payment plans, fundraising and scholarship options and a "risk free enrollment period" that allows families to withdraw with limited financial loss.
Board members asked logistical questions. The district listed requested travel dates from March 20 to March 27, 2027; the trip would run about eight days and would fall adjacent to spring break, producing two to three missed academic days. Dr. Battaglia said the required chaperone ratio is 1 adult per 6 students; she added that families commonly serve as additional chaperones. She also said EF provides international representatives and insurance protections and that the company offers scholarships and fundraising tools to lower costs.
Board members asked who would be eligible to travel. Dr. Battaglia said the program would be open to students who can afford to participate and that the district will highlight EF scholarships and potential foundation or fundraising help to expand access. She told the board, "There are scholarship opportunities through EF, possibly through the foundation we could apply for. There are fundraising opportunities that we would we try."
The board did not vote on the program at the meeting. Dr. Battaglia said the first trip will be placed on the next agenda for a formal vote and that each subsequent trip would require separate board approval.
Ending: The board will consider the Rome/Pompeii trip at its next meeting; staff said they would bring details on eligibility, scholarship access and the formal trip approval motion at that time.
