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Board tables Washington, D.C., field‑trip directive after questions on cost, staffing and timing
Summary
The board directed the superintendent to plan a Washington, D.C., trip as proposed but voted to table the immediate directive after members requested clearer dates, staff participation data, firm cost estimates and volunteer‑training plans; a majority voted to table the motion.
The board debated a proposed district‑wide Washington, D.C., field trip intended to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary before voting to table the directive pending further information.
Board member Julie Booth presented the recommendation to direct the superintendent and designees to arrange a field trip in May for grades 6, 8 and 9–12. Members and public commenters asked for a fuller fiscal picture and operational details: the administration said a conservative estimate for some grades could be about $101 per student in a high‑cost scenario, but other figures cited in discussion included a planning target of $30 per student and bus‑cost calculations that produced seat costs in the low‑double digits.
Board members raised three main concerns: (1) staff and chaperone availability and the need for a short staff‑survey to determine teacher willingness and contractual overtime implications, (2) firm dates and bus availability so transportation can be procured, and (3) safety/liability and volunteer credentialing for large public events in the capital. One board member suggested holding a fall trip instead to allow more planning time.
A motion to table the directive until staff can provide teacher participation numbers, exact dates and clearer cost projections passed by majority; three board members recorded a no vote. The administration was asked to return with staff survey results, date options, and an updated, itemized cost estimate at the next meeting.
