Hoosac Valley Regional approves three student trips; district covers costs for students unable to pay

The Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee unanimously approved three student trips during its April 28 meeting, voting to authorize an adventure-class rock-climbing day trip to New Pulz, New York (May 19), a senior trip to Brownstone Adventure Park in Connecticut (June 4), and a one-day New York City theatre trip for musical students (June 19).

Lyndsey McGinnis presented the adventure-class plan: nine students, three certified guides, a three-to-one student-to-guide ratio, travel by district van and funding from the Pathway Grant so "no cost to the students," she said. The committee approved the trip on a motion by Erin Milne, seconded by Andy Przystanski.

Senior Class Advisors Rebecca Koczela and Wendy Bennett told the committee that 35 of 45 seniors had committed to a June 4 outing to Brownstone Adventure Park; the per-student fee is $20 and the senior account will cover remaining costs. Advisors said signed waivers and permission slips will be required and that inability to pay will not prevent participation. The committee approved the senior trip unanimously.

Rebecca Koczela and Amanda Watroba described a one-day June 19 trip to New York City for roughly 25 students and five adults to see a Broadway production (The Great Gatsby) at an estimated $40 per student; the committee approved that trip on a motion by Andy Przystanski, seconded by Fred Lora.

Each trip was approved without recorded dissent; the transcript notes unanimous votes but does not provide a roll-call of individual yes/no tallies. The district will use a van for the rock-climbing trip and explore bus options for the senior trip, with additional logistics (bus fees, final chaperone assignments) to be confirmed by advisors and the administration.