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Board approves Washington, D.C., student field trip amid concerns about rising costs
Summary
Trustees approved the Washington, D.C. field trip despite trustee concerns that fees have risen substantially and could burden some families; administration noted scholarships, grants and payment plans are available and early-bird registration required action by Jan. 30.
Board members debated the cost of the annual Washington, D.C. student field trip during the meeting after the item was moved from the Consent Agenda to allow fuller discussion. Trustees said the trip’s cost has been increasing “substantially each year” and could pose a financial burden for some families; several trustees suggested fundraising approaches and having an on-staff teacher coordinate travel rather than using a travel agency to save money.
Administration said scholarships, grants and a payment-plan option are available to help families, but noted that the early-bird registration deadline of Jan. 30 required prompt board action. With that constraint, the board approved the trip as presented (Ayes 7, Nays 0). The board discussed exploring internal coordination or pooled fundraising to make future trips more affordable.
