Campbellsport School Board Conditionally Approves AP Art History Trip

Campbellsport High School art teacher Erin Nelson presented a proposal to take her AP Art History class on a field trip to New York City at the school board meeting on Monday, December 8.

“If we go to New York City, they’ll be able to see 31 of the works of art that we actually learn about in class before they take their AP exam in May,” stated Nelson, who has taken AP Art History students to New York art museums on three other trips.

The proposed trip would occur in late February and would cost $1,000 per student. According to Nelson, late February would be the least expensive travel time, saving the students $200 to $300. The $1,000 travel expense would include the students’ transportation and hotel. Students would be responsible for covering meals and extra activities. There are 15 students in AP Art History, and eight have expressed definite interest in the trip, with five expressing possible interest.

“Is this being funded by the students themselves?” asked Treasurer Maureen Koch.

“Yes. We only have a few months to do this. I was hoping we could be creative with maybe different payment plans. I know in the past, we gave students until May to pay everything in full, so they could go,” answered Nelson. “I want to be as inclusive as I can and be able to bring as many of the students along, but obviously there’s really not a lot of time to do any type of fundraising . . . I’ve had great experiences the last three times, and I feel I have a really great group this year.”

“I’d like to make a motion to approve this; however, I’d like to see it paid for by the time of the trip,” Treasurer Koch replied. “If we wait until May, that’s nice, but then the school is laying the money out for the trip with no 100% guarantee.”

Nelson explained that in prior years, the students typically made two payments for the trip, one before Christmas break and the other near the end of January or beginning of February.

“Do you need a minimum amount to keep that rate?” asked school board member Debby Flasch.

“No. I based it on the eight going. If we have more kids come, it is beneficial because that money stretches a bit further,” said Nelson. “Then, there might be enough that we could include a dinner, or we could go to an extra museum.”

Treasurer Koch made the motion to approve the AP Art History field trip to New York City, contingent upon it being paid for in full before the trip. The motion passed 5-0. President Mike Weiss was absent from the meeting.

School Board Matters:
• During the District Administrator report, Tom Wissink updated the school board on the middle school bathroom renovation project. Wissink informed the board that floor drains were added to the project for about an additional $900.
• Additionally, during his fall sports report, Athletic Director Tom Griesemer noted that Drexel donated two taxidermied cougars that are now on display at the school.
• The school music program also received a donated piano valued at $1,230 from a district resident. A motion to accept the donation was made by Flasch and passed unanimously.