SHC - It would be for all grades, and the 5th graders usually get a bigger trip. We are in NJ and they go somewhere like The Bronx Zoo, Philadelphia etc. Most grades go to either Liberty Science Center or Jenkinsons Acquarium, something a bit more local. We need to find new places too...when you have more than one child i the school it tends to get a little, stale.

Last year, due to budget cuts, our teachers were told they could go on field trips only if they paid for the bussing. there were no longer "free bussing" for trips. Our pto gave each teacher $5.00 per student which helped some so they did bake sales, popcorn sales, & read-a-thons to raise the rest. It will be the same again this year as more cuts to the budget were made.

I would most definitely use that money to help pay for field trips. That is such a direct benefit to the students. Will it benefit all of them or just a few grades? That's the only thing that could cause some debate.
SHC

We have over $16,000 in "goals money" that is supposed to be spent on something that directly benefits the students. This year we are purchasing air conditioning units and 27" tv/dvds with wall brackets for each classroom. With the cost of gas being crazy, our township informed us that we no longer have access to township buses for class trips. We wil have to hire private buses to take the students anywhere..so wouldnt you consider this a direct benefit? Some members are saying just shut down the school trips and have an extra assembly. I say that isnt fair. What do you think?