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Board votes to table eighth‑grade Hershey overnight trip amid equity concerns
Summary
After public comment and board debate about cost and inclusion—board members said roughly 30% of students could not attend because of expense—the board voted to table approval of the eighth‑grade overnight Hershey trip pending a meeting with staff and further committee review.
The Hillsborough Township Board of Education voted on Sept. 29 to table approval of the eighth‑grade overnight Hershey trip after an extended discussion about cost, equity and fundraising timing.
Board member Miss Stats urged the board to reconsider approving the overnight trip because the per‑student cost had exceeded $500 and, she said, roughly 30 percent of eligible students did not participate last year due to cost. "My concern is the cost. It's over $500. It has resulted in about 70% of the class attending ... it keeps about 30% of the kids from experiencing this...because of the costs," she said.
Other board members said there had been significant fundraising already and noted the district’s education committee had reviewed the trip previously; administration confirmed Dr. Trabolski would present alternative options at the education committee for next steps. Several members expressed a desire to avoid disappointing students while also addressing fairness concerns.
A motion was made to table the eighth‑grade overnight trip until the board meets with Dr. Trabolski and receives additional information. The board took a roll‑call vote on the motion to table: Mr. Davis — yes; Miss Jackson — yes; Miss Craig — no; Miss Lanning Beater — yes; Mr. Lee — no; Miss Nurse — yes; Miss Stats — yes; Mr. Heo — yes; Mr. Marini — yes. The motion to table passed.
The tabling excludes other related field trips (for example the marching band trip) that the board approved as part of the action agenda.
What’s next: Dr. Trabolski is scheduled to return to the education committee for additional discussion; the board set the trip aside for reconsideration after committee review and additional information about alternatives and inclusion measures is provided.
