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School Committee approves student trips to Japan and Hawaii after debate over cost and access
Summary
The committee approved two Franklin High School EF trips — a February 2026 Japan tour and an April 2026 Hawaii tour — after presentations on itineraries, costs, safety protocols and fundraising; members raised concerns about equity and affordability and requested efforts to expand scholarships and fundraising support.
The Franklin School Committee voted to approve two proposed Franklin High School student trips organized through EF: a nine‑day tour of Japan during February 2026 and an eight‑day Hawaii trip in April 2026.
Teachers Emily Rosborough and Vicky Bayon presented the Japan itinerary (Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka) and said EF will manage flights, hotels, local guides and on‑site safety; the all‑in price presented to the committee was about $5,419 per student including a travel protection plan. The Hawaii trip, presented by Jennifer Curley and Mary Bolero, was presented as a domestic eight‑day itinerary priced approximately at $5,250; domestic packages include gratuities and do not require passports.
Rosborough told the committee EF offers payment plans, fundraising pages for each student, and scholarship opportunities to improve access. "They take care of everything," she said of EF, adding that tour directors provide 24/7 support and that EF runs background checks and provides local support.
Committee members questioned how students would be selected and how the district would address equity for families who cannot afford the trips. Presenters said enrollment is first‑come, with administrative review for behavioral eligibility, and that the district and EF offer scholarship options and encourage fundraising to help families cover costs.
During the public discussion, several committee members reiterated concerns that high‑cost trips can widen opportunity gaps. One committee member urged creative fundraising and additional scholarship outreach; presenters agreed to promote those options. Another member noted the district's broader budget constraints and urged sensitivity to optics when approving expensive optional trips while the district faces fiscal pressures.
The committee voted by roll call to approve the Japan trip (motion passed with recorded "Yes" votes from Gallagher, Charles, McNeil, South Holly, O'Sullivan and Anne Callahan) and then approved the Hawaii trip by a similar roll call. Administrators said they will post parent meeting information (a joint parent meeting was set for the following Monday at 7 p.m.) and work with families on payment and accessibility needs.
The committee also approved policy adoptions and routine consent agenda items later in the meeting.
