Is $30 too much to pay for a class field trip taking place during school hours? archived

District used to pay for the buses for field trips, I believe. They no longer do. They are cutting teachers - funding school field trips went away a bit ago. At the same time, the cost of the buses has gone way up from what I understand. Sometimes the PTA is able to help offset the costs, depends on the particular budget at the particular PTA. Sometimes they arrange trips with the district buses and drivers, which helps. But those are for short, local trips.

You are correct that no child will be turned away from the trip for financial hardship. The school offices know which kids are on free/reduced lunch and can reach out. When parents/guardians fill out that paperwork in the beginning of the year, I think they are also asked about other issues such as this, in other words, "would you like us to contact you regarding payment for field trips?" Though I'm sure there are some who may not be on that list but would still find it hard.

I'm sure folks out there know more specifics than I do, but this is what I have come to understand over the years.

Just chiming in to say that buses (even school buses) have become VERY expensive, no doubt due to liability concerns and associated insurance costs among other reasons, so I'm not surprised that it is half or more of the cost of the whole trip.

Where is this trip going?
Seems pretty high to me..

icdart said:

Where is this trip going?
Seems pretty high to me..

It's actually quite typical for off-site events that require transportation. Phyllis is correct:

1) Transportation is very expensive these days.
2) The district no longer provides transport.
3) There are almost always funds to cover the cost for kids who cannot afford it (PTA funds, not district funds)

My kid came home with that flyer for the field trip too and I thought it was high but I am happy that they are leaving the class room. In the past they have brought field trips into the class and it always seemed like they were getting jilted. Support your PTA they do an amazing job fundraising and volunteering so our kids can have great experiences.

The transportation details are noted .

Where is this trip and is it connected to the curriculum?
That was always a basis for trip approval..

My SM 4th grader just went on a $30 field trip to the environmental center at sandy hook. Had a great time and learned a lot. The kids were super excited because they got to on a private bus with tv screens. I assumed the trip was so expensive bc of the private buses. All previous trips (including farther places like coney island) have been a lot cheaper, but on those we had school buses. We have also had issues with many school buses (late, getting lost, not showing up)

mjh said:

icdart said:

Where is this trip going?
Seems pretty high to me..

It's actually quite typical for off-site events that require transportation. Phyllis is correct:

1) Transportation is very expensive these days.
2) The district no longer provides transport.
3) There are almost always funds to cover the cost for kids who cannot afford it (PTA funds, not district funds)

Agreed.

I feel like lost of out SOMS field trips have been $40+ each.

Bee said:

My SM 4th grader just went on a $30 field trip to the environmental center at sandy hook. Had a great time and learned a lot. The kids were super excited because they got to on a private bus with tv screens. I assumed the trip was so expensive bc of the private buses. All previous trips (including farther places like coney island) have been a lot cheaper, but on those we had school buses. We have also had issues with many school buses (late, getting lost, not showing up)

That sounds worth a $30 field trip (unlike some of the middle school junkets I've paid for)

The Sandy Hook trip is one of the best in the curriculum. Glad they still do it.

There are also limits on the time that the school buses (the kids call them "cheese buses") are available, as they are needed for in-district scheduled transportation, so all-day trips usually require the (more expensive) coaches.

IIRC the district buses cannot be used for out of state trips, and also cannot be used until after 9 am ( once all the morning bus routes are done) and they must be back in district by like 1:30 - 2 pm ( to accommodate the PM bus routes) . I think the private buses run $800-1000 each ( ~50 passenger capacity) for all day use. So 45 students per bus will cost about $20/pp.

Our trips at Clinton were never that expensive. I believe they were subsidized by the PTA but not sure. That's a PTA decision. Middle school trips seem to be very expensive though. The band trip for a music competition and Great Adventure ticket is $80 this year.