Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Travel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Springfield Township SD committee previews EF Tours middle-school trips to Puerto Rico and Costa Rica
Summary
The academic affairs committee heard a proposal to offer middle‑school travel with Education First (EF). The trips would be vendor‑coordinated, optional and family‑funded; the Puerto Rico trip (2026) was priced at about $3,200 per student and will go to the full school board for approval to distribute information to families.
The Springfield Township SD academic affairs committee on the first meeting of the school year reviewed a teacher‑led proposal to offer middle‑school travel through Education First (EF).
Taylor Pellegrini, a middle‑school teacher who is organizing the trips with colleague Sarah Schmidt, described EF as a self‑sufficient vendor that provides a 24/7 tour director and onsite security for domestic trips. Pellegrini said the proposed 2026 Puerto Rico trip would be five days (about three days onsite) for a smaller group — likely 25–30 students with a maximum of 45 — and would emphasize historical and environmental learning. "This is not a family vacation," Pellegrini said, describing a structured itinerary and expectations that participants remain with the tour group.
Committee members asked how the district would be involved. Dr. Johnson said the district’s role is limited to granting permission to distribute information to students during school hours; EF handles logistics and coordination. Board member Amy clarified that the district would not finance the trips and that employees who chaperone often do so outside their employment duties; Dr. Johnson confirmed the district has no financial obligation.
On inclusion and accommodations, Pellegrini said EF welcomes participants with disabilities, can alter itineraries when needs are known in advance and recommends that parents accompany students with specific physical‑support needs. On cost, Pellegrini said insurance is available and the current price estimate is about $3,200 per student and $3,600 per adult for the Puerto Rico trip, with small quarterly price adjustments possible.
Pellegrini outlined the approval path: review by the academic affairs committee, placement on the school board agenda for permission to disseminate information, interest meetings and an October enrollment period (with a possible reenrollment window), and travel in June 2026 if enough families enroll. The committee indicated no objection to moving the item to a future board agenda for formal consideration; some members said they remain concerned about the age of travelers and general travel safety.
Next steps: the committee will place the item on a school board agenda for a decision about permitting distribution to students and families; enrollment and final pricing will be set if the board approves the dissemination phase.
