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Board approves out-of-state senior trip; members raise cost and equity concerns
Summary
The Blue Ridge Unified School District No. 32 Governing Board approved an out-of-state senior trip to California but board members pressed staff on cost, fundraising and access for low-income students.
The Blue Ridge Unified School District No. 32 Governing Board voted to approve an out-of-state senior trip to California planned for May 10—13, with the board and staff discussing transportation logistics, per-student costs and equity concerns before the vote.
Rachel, a first-year teacher and senior-class adviser, told the board the current charter-bus quote for transportation is about $10,000; the trip has 50 student spots with six chaperones. "Dividing that up by the 50 students that are able to go ... that's about it," Rachel said, describing a $100 deposit already taken and ongoing fundraising including candy-cane grams and concession stand events.
Board members expressed concerns about affordability. One board member noted that about half of the district—s students are on free or reduced-price lunch and said per-student costs could be prohibitive: "I just think it would be nice maybe if we could do a trip in the state, and, like, half of that cost," Chuck Waldo said. He added: "Since half of our students on free and reduced lunch. $650 I think is going to basically ... a lot of our students that aren't able to go simply because they can't afford that expensive trip."
Rachel and other staff said counselors and district supporters have held spots for students who need extra time to secure funds and that some community donations have been offered; she confirmed there is a wait list and that families have been paying deposits. Staff also said the student council has started fundraising and that the district sought possible scholarship support though some tribal funding sources are restricted to educational trips and cannot be used for a senior social trip.
After discussion the board approved the out-of-state travel request for the senior trip. Board members who spoke urged staff and student leaders to continue seeking donations and to consider lower-cost, in-state alternatives in future years so more graduates can participate.
The motion to approve the senior-trip travel request passed with a formal vote at the meeting.
