Jordan board backs plan to replace overnight Wolf Ridge trip with quarterly local experiences

Jordan Public School District staff told the board they propose replacing the traditional overnight Wolf Ridge sixth‑grade trip with a series of locally based, standards‑aligned experiences spread across the school year.

Principal reported that rising costs, dorm supervision concerns and increasing medical needs among students have reduced participation at Wolf Ridge. The principal said attendance for the trip had risen to 17–18 students opting out in recent years and that dorm arrangements (multiple students per room without an adult present) have become a recurrent concern.

The proposed plan would preserve key experiential elements of the Wolf Ridge program — for example a ropes‑course challenge, winter downhill or cross‑country activities and place‑based social‑studies visits — by staging them locally at providers such as Sand Creek Adventures, Three Rivers Park District and the Minnesota History Center. Fundraising already tied to grade levels (candy bar sales and other efforts) would continue and the district would keep grade‑level funds with the cohort.

Although the item was presented for discussion only and required no formal board action, board members signaled support. "You have our blessings," the board chair said after the presentation. Administrators emphasized the plan is intended to reduce cost barriers and better align field experiences with current sixth‑grade standards while minimizing overnight dorm liability and staffing challenges.

Next steps: the superintendent and building administration will proceed with planning and community communications; the board requested continued updates but did not take a formal vote at the meeting.