Commission approves higher field-trip fees, $50 nonrefundable deposit for nontraditional groups

Amanda Rodriguez, the newly promoted facility coordinator for Outdoor Murfreesboro, presented a package of fee changes for Wilderness Station field trips and the commission approved the recommendations.

"So I'm here today to propose an increase to our field trip, fees associated for both, public schools, private schools, as well as nontraditional school groups such as, like, homeschool co ops," Amanda said, outlining the department's effort to offset activity and supply costs. She said the current three-rotation program previously cost $7 per student for the three standard 40-minute rotations; staff proposed a flat $10 fee for non–Title I public and private schools and a reduced $8 rate for Title I public schools.

Amanda also presented options for small nontraditional groups (50 students or fewer). For nonstandard programming, she proposed a $5 charge for the first specialized program and $3 for each additional program beyond the standard rotations. To address past higher no-show rates among nontraditional groups, she proposed a $50 nonrefundable deposit to reserve the Wilderness Station.

Commissioners asked whether the deposit would cover lost revenue and whether 50 is an appropriate threshold; Amanda said $50 would approximately cover ten students and that 50 was a reasonable place to start. The commission moved, then voted by roll call to approve the fee changes and the deposit; the chair declared the motion passed.

Staff said the change is intended to preserve program quality by covering supplies and encouraging reliable attendance for small externally organized groups. The fee schedule will be implemented through the department’s registration processes.