Class Trip Review Launches Far-Ranging Discussion

Ask eighth-graders who did not participate in this year's overnight class trip to Gettysburg National Military Park and Philadelphia, and most say, "Been there, done that."

But there were other explanations, according to Superintendent of Schools Tami Crader, who reviewed the results of her polling on the question at Monday's Warren Township Board of Education meeting at the middle school.

Some said they wanted to go to the beach, instead.

And a few said they just didn't want the "drama" of finding roomates and spending the time with who knows who.

And the core of the question were concerns that too many of the 57 students who didn't go—representing about 20 percent of the eighth-grade class—didn't because of the $275 cost.

And although none of the students reported that as the reason, parent Patricia Zohn said she wasn't certain asking the students was the best way to find out.

"If you could poll the people who matter—which are the families—and ask a question that's helpful, the question I'd want answered is, 'If it cost nothing, would you have gone?'" she said.

She added that it's unfair to tell children that on the two school days of the class trip, "You pay us money or you get nothing."

"There were no backup plans whatsoever for kids who stayed behind, there were no classes offered, there were no teachers here," she said. "So for those who did not go on the trip, for whatever reason, we failed them."

One step being taken at the middle school to reduce or eliminate costs associated with the class trip is the creation of accounts for students who want to solicit magazine subscriptions. According to Ellyn Draikiwicz, of the school's PTO, participation in the program will be voluntary, and students can begin accumulating funds in the sixth grade.

Furthermore, she said fundraising by the classes dedicated to the expenses of the class trips are accumulating and will be lowering the costs for future trips.

"So far, the class that's graduating next year—the class of 2012—has $7,000," she said. "By the time they graduate, they should have raised about $17,000."

She added the class of 2013 already has $6,500, and will add another $20,000 or so by the time of its trip. Each $6,500 raised lowers the cost of the trip to parents by $25, she said.

The fundraising plans didn't sit well with former board member Kathy Winter, however, who said she felt the magazine sales produced a low yield for the students. She added since the kids are primarily selling the subscriptions to parents and relatives, they may get more money by simply asking for donations.

She also picked up on Zohn's comments that the board needs clearer policies on  fundraising and soliciting donations. She apologized for not getting such policies written while on the board and serving on the committee reviewing policies.

When asked by board newcomer Tia Allocco how board members have considered and approved class trips in the past, asking if there is a policy to guide them in their decision or if decisions are based on personal feelings, the members' consensus was some policies exist and some personal feelings are considered.

Board members also discussed the potential for funding sources outside of schools and students. Board President Gregory Przybylski noted reporting in the Wall Street Journal on school districts meeting funding shortfalls by charging for textbooks.

But Winter said recent court decisions forced the state of California to refund such charges by school districts, reinforcing the need for the board to set policies and priorities.

"I'm just saying you (parents) shouldn't be paying for field trips," she said. "If it is part of the curriculum and it isn't on the weekends, students shouldn't have to pay for it."