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School committee approves DECA overnight trips amid concerns about student debt
Summary
The Wareham School Committee approved overnight DECA competitions (districts in Hyannis; states in Boston area; nationals in Orlando) after members raised concerns that some students accumulate debt. Administrators said fundraising offsets costs and will research a budget line item to reduce family burden.
The Wareham School Committee voted Dec. 19 to approve overnight travel for the high school’s DECA team to attend three levels of competition, from district rounds in Hyannis to a potential national event in Orlando in late April.
Scott Paladino, the high‑school presenter, said about 51 students will attend districts, roughly 25–30 could advance to states (Feb. 27–March 1) and 12–15 could qualify for ICDC nationals. He asked the committee to authorize overnight stays at each level. "We're requesting permission for our students to participate in these events and ... in all 3 cases to stay overnight," Paladino said.
Committee member Jeff pressed for clarity on student costs, saying he has been told by multiple students about debts accrued because of competitions. "I do not want to deny people the ability to go on these trips," Jeff said, but added that he feared students could be under “extraordinary pressure” to fundraise.
Paladino and other administrators said DECA fundraising reduces out‑of‑pocket costs for many students, and that some districts set a dedicated budget line to offset competition expenses. Paladino offered to research nearby districts with such line items and provide example figures before the town finalizes next year’s budget.
The committee moved and seconded the permission; the motion passed. The administration said students who do not meet selection criteria (attendance, grades, behavior) can be excluded from travel, and that students who choose not to participate in fundraising may be asked to cover remaining costs before graduation.
The committee asked administration to return with numbers on the potential size and structure of a budget line item to reduce family burden. That follow‑up was scheduled to inform next year’s budget discussions.
