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West High students urge district to raise out-of-state trip cap, loosen rooming rule
Summary
Students and student leaders from West High told the Salt Lake City School District Board that a $1,200 per‑student cap on out‑of‑state overnight trips and a stricter "one bed per student" interpretation block access to national and international academic competitions.
Kristen Layton, president of West High HOSA, told the Salt Lake City School District Board on Dec. 10 that current district policy is keeping large numbers of students from attending national and international academic competitions.
The board heard three West High student speakers outline how the district’s $1,200 per‑student cap for out‑of‑state, overnight travel and a new, stricter definition of “bed” have made attendance at events such as the HOSA International Leadership Conference and FBLA’s National Leadership Conference financially impracticable for many. “The International Leadership Conference…is not just a trip. It is a stepping stone toward our future careers,” Kristen Layton said, adding that she had been “internationally recognized” after attending and that dozens of West students benefited professionally from the experience.
Ashley Lucas, student body president at West High and an FBLA leader, described a recent case where a student qualified for nationals but could not afford the extra cost beyond the district cap. “This year it is expected to cost $1,600 to go to NLC,” Lucas said. Ella Fransen, robotics team captain, provided a district‑by‑district comparison she compiled, saying she found Salt Lake among the lowest travel caps in the state and cited current price checks showing flights and the cheapest nearby hotels already exceed the $1,200 limit before registration and meals are included.
Students asked the board to give the district more flexibility on travel budgets, allow more reasonable rooming options (for example permitting four students in a room when safely appropriate), or to provide additional financial support so all qualifying students can attend competitions. Layton said the strict rooming standard — effectively limiting lodging to two students per room — and the per‑student cap together make participation “nearly impossible” for many West students.
Board President Nate Salazar thanked the student speakers and acknowledged the board’s obligation to follow state law on agenda and action items. No formal action or vote on the travel policy was taken at the meeting; the students said they plan to follow up with school‑based councils and district staff in the coming weeks to seek changes before spring competitions.
The students’ comments came during the public comment portion of the Dec. 10 board meeting and were addressed to district staff and board members for follow‑up.
