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State grant cuts push Lake Oswego to consider fees and shorter trips for sixth‑grade outdoor school
Summary
District staff told trustees a ~20% reduction in state/OSU Extension funding and rising costs could raise per‑student outdoor‑school costs from about $800 to $956, producing an estimated gap of roughly $195,000 if all 522 sixth‑graders attend; trustees discussed waivers, shortened trip lengths and refund rules.
District staff warned trustees that a reduction in the state grant for 6th‑grade outdoor school, combined with higher per‑pupil costs, will create a funding gap if the district maintains existing trip length and participation levels.
"The funding for outdoor school from the state was reduced, almost over 20%," said Mr. Bailey in a presentation to the board, noting a base grant this year of about $337,652. He said per‑pupil cost estimates increased from roughly $800 to about $956, and that if all 522 sixth‑grade students attend, the district faces an underfunded gap of approximately $195,000. Trustees discussed possible responses including offering fee waivers for qualifying families, shortening the trip from four days/three nights to three days/two nights to reduce cost, surveying families before collecting fees and refunding families if fewer students attend than projected.
Board members repeatedly raised equity concerns, noting the students who stand to benefit most may also be least likely to afford higher fees. One trustee urged staff to consider whether switching outdoor school to seventh grade (where permitted) or exploring fundraising and internal budget reallocation would better preserve access for lower‑income students. Mr. Bailey said he expected more information from MESD and OSU Extension within days and that staff would return with more precise cost and participation projections by late September.
