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Board approves HMS Hershey overnight trip for this year after debate over cost and equity
Summary
After public comment and extended board discussion about cost, participation rates, and equity, the Hillsborough Board approved the HMS eighth‑grade Hershey overnight trip for this year on a 6–3 roll‑call vote; members asked administrators to pause fundraising and revisit a district field‑trip review.
The Hillsborough Township Board of Education voted 6–3 on Oct. 27 to approve the Hillsboro Middle School (HMS) eighth‑grade Hershey overnight trip for this school year after a lengthy discussion about cost, participation and alternatives.
Board members split a bundled education motion to separate the Hershey trip for individual consideration; the separation motion passed unanimously by roll call. After an extended conversation in which trustees cited survey feedback, rising costs and falling participation rates, the board held a roll‑call vote on the single motion to approve the overnight trip for the current year. The vote result recorded: Yes — Mr. Davis, Miss Craig, Miss Lanning Beater, Mr. Lee, Miss Nurse, Mr. Marini; No — Miss Jackson, Miss Stats, Mr. Ho. The motion passed.
Discussion highlights: trustees referenced a district survey that collected approximately 150 responses and showed a range of perceived trip value and cost (the agenda listed a base cost of about $535; some parents reported higher total expenses once optional items and incidentals were included). Several board members urged caution about allowing fundraising and family commitments for next year’s trips until the board reviews field‑trip policy and equity implications. Administrators told trustees they would pause next‑year collections and convene a staff committee to review field‑trip frequency, cost drivers (overnight lodging and transportation) and alternatives such as a one‑day trip or splitting activities to reduce overnight costs.
Why it matters: board action preserves a year‑end experience for participating students but also triggered a pledge from trustees and administrators to review field‑trip practice to ensure equitable access and clearer communications to families.
Representative quote: “If it is just a one‑day trip, you can still have a dance and a celebration without the overnight cost,” one trustee said during debate.
What’s next: administration will collect additional data, explore lower‑cost formats and bring recommendations to the education committee for future policy or practice changes.
