Board reviews field-trip requests and transportation checks for upcoming student trips

The Bay Shore board reviewed several field-trip requests on Oct. 22 that included details about costs, chaperones, transportation and safety procedures.

Mr. Rotello (Cultural Arts) presented two trips for approval: a drama conference trip with 25 students and four chaperones going to a resort in New York State; the base trip cost was $315 per student and a $3,000 sponsor donation and other fundraising were expected to reduce the per-student fee to about $195. "The cost of the trip is $315. And then with the theater sponsor's donation of $3,000, it brings the cost down to a $195," Mr. Rotello said. Brentwood will split the bus cost with Bay Shore.

Mr. Rotello also presented a Music-in-the-Parks trip to Hershey (two days, one night) with a reported cost of $480 per person, split into four installments, and a maximum capacity of about 150 students (three 55-seat buses). The board discussed arrival times set by commercial transportation providers and how those schedules affect performance timing.

Administrators described transportation-vetting practices. A district speaker said the high-school head custodian or security reviews a standard safety protocol and that the district has worked with Suffolk Transportation to document inspections of tires, windshields and other safety components. Hampton Jitney was mentioned as a contracted carrier with its own procedures.

Athletics requested a December track-and-field trip with four adults attending; students typically cover hotel costs while the district covers remainder expenses. The robotics trip in April was presented with a donor offset from the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, reducing student costs to around $340 before fundraising; the district will cover registration fees and share some bus costs with neighboring districts.

The board asked logistical questions about bus inspection and driver hours; administrators said drivers have regulated driving hours and the district will confirm departures and schedules with carriers. No unusual safety exemptions were requested; presentations emphasized standard chaperone ratios and vendor-provided security for overnight trips.

Several of these field-trip items were on the consent agenda and were approved as part of routine approvals later in the meeting.