Board hears detailed plan for fifth‑grade Catalina Island trip; parents, testing schedule and cost flagged as concerns

Teachers presented a detailed proposal to take fifth graders to the Catalina Island Marine Institute for a 3‑day, 2‑night trip that district leaders described as highly curricular and hands‑on.

Presenters said the program would align with fifth‑grade science and language arts standards and include project-based learning (students research a marine species, create brochures and keep journals). Logistics included cabins with bunks, three meals per day, gear and shore activities; presenters said many activities are included in the basic trip price.

Cost estimates presented to the board placed the per‑student fee at $375, with a $65 deposit due in October and a payment schedule tied to a contract the district expected in August. The team estimated a total trip cost of about $30,938 based on an assumed group of 70 students and 15 chaperones; the presenters described a plan to fundraise and use donations so no student would be left behind.

Board members expressed concerns and asked for more information. One board member asked whether parents had been surveyed and recommended sharing preliminary cost information with families; another urged the presenters to confirm whether existing club funds could be used. Several members expressed caution about scheduling the trip near state testing and about taking younger students (fifth graders) on an overnight science trip that the district historically ran for older grades.

Dr. Jay said the institute runs programs that begin in fourth grade and that the vendor told him fifth grade is a common grade level for the program. Presenters said snorkeling includes buoyancy suits and hula‑hoop‑style flotation devices and that participation can be optional for students whose parents opt them out of specific activities.

The board asked the team to survey families, provide finalized cost and chaperone details, and return with updated information before any final approval. No formal vote on the Catalina trip was recorded at the meeting.