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Monticello board approves high school Washington, D.C., trip for April; cost, dates and chaperone rules outlined
Summary
The board approved a four-day Washington, D.C., trip for high school students, scheduled for April 20–23, with the district’s social-studies team using Explore America (EF). Presenters said the per-student price is $1,749 with payment plans and limited scholarships; the motion passed 6–0.
The Monticello School Board approved a four-day Washington, D.C., trip for Monticello High School students, agreeing to a motion that passed 6–0 on Jan. 27.
Social-studies teachers presented trip details, travel dates and safety plans before the vote. "This trip includes lunch and dinner as well as breakfast at the hotel every single day. It includes our airfare, our travel expenses when we're there for busing, and all of our tour guides, all of our ticketing to all of our events as well," one teacher said while outlining the inclusions.
Trip details and logistics: Teachers said the travel window is April 20–23 (Monday–Thursday). The district will partner with Explore America (EF) as the travel vendor; presenters said the vendor provides tour directors, buses, hotels and an EF office in Washington, D.C., for on-the-ground support. The presenters said the trip includes three meals per day for students, museum and site admissions, and overnight security at hotels.
Cost and payment: Presenters stated a per-student cost of $1,749 for the four-day trip, an increase of approximately $300 from recent years. They said EF offers monthly and biweekly payment plans and that some scholarships are available through EF. Teachers said the district does not run a centralized fundraiser for the trip; families may pursue individual fundraising from relatives. Presenters also said an early-signup discount (about $100) and a repeat-traveler discount (about $150) are sometimes available.
Chaperones and safety: Teachers said chaperone staffing typically follows a 1:10 adult-to-student guideline and that the social-studies department is prioritized. Presenters said retired teachers and coaches have served as additional chaperones on past trips. They also noted that hotel rooms are secured with nightly posted security and that district staff conduct room checks.
Student experience highlights cited by teachers included visits to the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, Mount Vernon, the Capitol, the Library of Congress and Ford's Theatre. Presenters said they aim for spring dates that typically provide better weather and smaller crowds, and they described how small-group tours and teacher-led groups are used at solemn sites such as memorials.
Board discussion and vote: Board members asked questions about minimum participation and transportation logistics. Teachers said the per-trip minimum is 40–45 students; last year about 95 students participated. Board member discussion raised chaperone availability and local logistical details for student arrivals at the airport (students will meet at the high school to depart as a group). The board voted to approve the trip; the motion was moved by Jeff Hegley and seconded by Mary Bartel.
No additional district funding or fundraising for the trip was approved; presenters said costs are covered by participating families, payment plans and vendor scholarships.
