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Houston school board approves option for student trip to Puerto Rico in June 2026
Summary
The HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT board voted to allow staff to offer an optional educational trip to Puerto Rico in June 2026. The travel will be run by a third-party vendor and at no cost to the district; families pay approximately $2,800 per student.
The HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT board voted to allow staff to offer an optional student trip to Puerto Rico in June 2026.
Peggy Conventor Johnson, a middle school science teacher, presented the proposal and described the trip as an educational opportunity tied to science and social studies standards. "We picked Puerto Rico because it's a unique territory that does not require a passport," Peggy Conventor Johnson said, explaining the choice and some of the itinerary highlights.
The program would be run by an outside travel company and include round-trip transportation, meals, fees and accommodations. The organizers described a 1-to-6 chaperone ratio and an estimated cost of about $2,800 per student. Peggy Conventor Johnson said families can pay via a payment plan and that there is a $50 down payment to reserve a spot. She also noted the trip includes a post-trip option for students to take a free high-school credit class.
Board members moved and seconded a motion to permit district staff to offer the trip to students. The motion carried on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The board and presenters emphasized that the district would incur no direct expense and that participation would be voluntary. The presenters also encouraged families to consult their tax advisor about possible K–12 education tax credits that may offset part of the cost.
The board did not set additional conditions at the meeting; staff said more details would be available to families as planning proceeds.
