Board hears proposal for middle‑school trip to Italy; safety, chaperone ratios and costs discussed
February 01, 2024 | Unionville-Chadds Ford SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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Unionville‑Chadds Ford School District board members on Feb. 12 heard a proposal to offer a middle‑school international trip to Italy in summer 2025 aimed at rising and graduating eighth‑grade students.
Honey Beth Cropp and Hillary Brogan presented the plan, which they said would be organized with EF Tours and tailored for middle‑school students. The presenters emphasized safety protocols, including background checks for all adults on the trip and 24/7 EF support, and said they would require the vendor’s global travel protection insurance (quoted in the presentation as a $190 built‑in cost).
"They do background checks on every adult who's involved in their tours," one presenter said, noting EF’s 55 years of experience and the tour leader’s weekly communications with school staff.
Presenters described itinerary highlights — a buffalo farm and homemade‑pizza activity, Pompeii, a Colosseum visit and a short bike tour in Rome — and recommended a 6:1 student‑to‑chaperone ratio. They estimated a practical minimum group of roughly a dozen participants, while saying a goal of about 30 students would be ideal for sufficient adult coverage and a viable program.
Board members questioned vendor experience with younger students, the longevity of quoted pricing and contingency staffing. Presenters said some middle‑school‑targeted itineraries have run previously and that the pricing deadline is tied to vendor booking and group‑leader confirmation; they also noted fundraising pages and payment‑plan options to make participation more affordable.
No vote was held; the proposal was presented for discussion and follow‑up. The district said it would return to the board when staff has alignment on final cost, minimum participation and any required contractual or insurance conditions.
Honey Beth Cropp and Hillary Brogan presented the plan, which they said would be organized with EF Tours and tailored for middle‑school students. The presenters emphasized safety protocols, including background checks for all adults on the trip and 24/7 EF support, and said they would require the vendor’s global travel protection insurance (quoted in the presentation as a $190 built‑in cost).
"They do background checks on every adult who's involved in their tours," one presenter said, noting EF’s 55 years of experience and the tour leader’s weekly communications with school staff.
Presenters described itinerary highlights — a buffalo farm and homemade‑pizza activity, Pompeii, a Colosseum visit and a short bike tour in Rome — and recommended a 6:1 student‑to‑chaperone ratio. They estimated a practical minimum group of roughly a dozen participants, while saying a goal of about 30 students would be ideal for sufficient adult coverage and a viable program.
Board members questioned vendor experience with younger students, the longevity of quoted pricing and contingency staffing. Presenters said some middle‑school‑targeted itineraries have run previously and that the pricing deadline is tied to vendor booking and group‑leader confirmation; they also noted fundraising pages and payment‑plan options to make participation more affordable.
No vote was held; the proposal was presented for discussion and follow‑up. The district said it would return to the board when staff has alignment on final cost, minimum participation and any required contractual or insurance conditions.
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