MASSENA — The Massena Central School Board has approved a student trip to Italy, but not without some concern regarding the cost.
Biology teacher Cristina David, who is serving as the trip leader, said the estimated cost for each student is $4,485 before fundraising. She has proposed the trip for 20 students and four chaperones during the 2027 spring break, from April 9 to 16.
“We are proposing about 20 students, maybe 25 at the most. The cost right now is $4,485 per student. That is before any fundraising efforts and before any discounts,” David told the board.
The trip is being book through Explorica, which has booked two prior trips, and among the potential discounts is $200 off the cost for early registration, she said.
David said she chose a trip to Italy because she thought it would be popular with students.
“It’s kind of like a bucket list thing that I think students would love to check off, and it would be a great learning experience for everything from art, architecture, historical landmarks, ancient history, and of course the culture and the cuisine of Italy is something to experience,” she said.
She said students benefit from experiencing a different culture and seeing the perspective from someone in a different country.
“It teaches them confidence and independence, life skills, and there’s some stats about how students that travel get better grades, have better behavior, and so on,” David said.
She said they’ll be staying overnight in three cities, but seeing four during the eight-day trip.’
“One of those is an overnight flight, and then six overnight stays in accommodations in the various cities,” she said.
The cost covers airfare, transportation during the tour, hotel accommodations, full daily breakfast and dinner, all of the attractions, a full-time tour director, and 24-hour emergency service.
Students will be responsible for passport fees, spending money for lunch expenses and souvenirs, as well as travel to and from the airport.
“I will be requesting a bus, which we will divide the cost between families,” David said.
Board member Robert M. LeBlanc asked how many students were anticipated to take the trip.
“I’m anticipating 20. I honestly have no idea how much interest there will be. The cost could be a factor for many families. However, the location of where we’re going I think will be very popular,” David said.
Board member Patricia F. Murphy asked if they were planning on providing financial assistance through a scholarship for at least one student.
David said the trip was not tied to any club as had been the case for previous trips.
“So, I don’t have any funds for this, unless the school has something or the high school has something,” she said. “We will do fundraising, though.”
Vice President Kevin F. Perretta said he had a concern about the cost.
“The opportunity is tremendous for those that can afford to go,” he said, but it seemed to be “exclusionary” because of the cost.
“In the past, I think a lot of these have been through clubs that they participate in all year. So, this is even more exclusionary because it just popped up. Who aspires to go to this could ever have a chance to try to accumulate the money to be able to participate. So, it’s extra exclusionary in my mind,” Perretta said.
He said it was a great opportunity for those who could afford it.
“I don’t think we should carry that kind of liability for something that doesn’t include everyone,” he said.
Board members Daniel J. Tusa and Joyce Giroux said other trips have been less expensive and required fundraising. But, they said, why should they deny a trip to those who can afford it.
“I’m being the devil’s advocate here. I’m always about the other side, but I’m seeing this side, too,” Giroux said.