Yosemite letter to school district
user3361-3361 05/20 58314.5/2
We are a group of parents who want to learn more about the challenges of Yosemite Trip has been facing and we hope to help better the situation for next year. The district changed its policy two years ago so currently people don't pay still get to go. On top of that, the schools keep it a secret who "get a free ride."
We believe that the majority donate to the cost, based on the final collection amount, because most families value the quality of this trip. It is probably the most memorable trip in these teenager's life and they will treasure it for long time to come.
It seems to us that originally the new policy is to help those families that are truly in financial hardship. And we understand that some are in deed so. But it's impossible that the number of those families suddenly rise in recent years, considering the housing price/average income/healthy economy in this district. The new policy is being taken advantage by a few selfish ones at the expenses of the majority.
We believe that not posting the names of non-donors is unfair to the vast majority. It makes more sense if the district keeps it a secret for those who PROVE to be truly in need, but the rest should be politely (definitely not in a harsh way) reminded to contribute. Fund raising activities have not been able to cover their portion and the quality of the trip is going down hill. We refuse to protect their selfishness or give them free ride any more.
We wonder if the district can change back to its old policy, which is of common sense. If you are not allowed to by law, the process still has room for improvement.
Please look into it. Every family moved into this district for the value of child's education. The intention to keep the quality of education rests with the vast majority of us.
