New Zealand and Australia trip for ag students approved

NEW LONDON – While a July 2029 overseas trip to New Zealand and Australia for agri-science and FFA students in the New London School District was approved by the New London Board of Education, some board members questioned how many students could go on the trip because of the $6,479 cost to students.

The board approved the trip for district students at the Sept. 23 board meeting. The trip was approved by a voice vote, with Board President John Heideman voting against approval.

Crystal Retzlaff, agricultural education instructor for the New London School District, told the board the trip would be for 12 days.

“It is going to allow them (students) to see a cool component of Australia,” Retzlaff said. “The fact that they are the largest exporter of sheep meat and actually have more sheep living in the country than people, it’s going to get kids that concrete hands-on window into how a small nation is built on that agricultural export industry.”

In addition to learning about the agricultural industry in Australia, Retzlaff said students would have the opportunity to see a rainforest.

“Obviously we don’t have any of those around here, it’s not an experience we can get right here in the United States,” Retzlaff said.

Students would also get to see the Great Barrier Reef during the trip and have the opportunity to snorkel in it with with a marine specialist, Retzlaff said.

Heideman said he is not against students traveling overseas because it is a great experience, but said he was concerned about the percentage of district students who actually go on overseas trips because of the cost.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunities close to home we’re missing out that could potentially include all or most of the kids,” Heideman said. “While I’m not against foreign travel, I’d like to see us take advantage of these opportunities right here in our state.”

He added, “It seems like some of these trips, it turns into more like a success for the kids that can afford it. And I have some trouble with that. I understand there’s fundraising opportunities potentially, but typically the kids that can’t afford this don’t go. And that just gives me a pause on some of this stuff.”

Board Treasurer Mark Grossman asked for clarification as to whether each student is required to pay for their own travel costs. 

Retzlaff said students are required to pay their own travel costs.

According to the trip details in the board packet, the cost to students who want to travel on this trip would be $6,479, plus a few extra costs based on activities they want to do on the trip.

Board Vice President Katie Batten said the cost of the trip did cause concern for her as she wondered how many families could afford that amount.

“I’m sure it’s a good value for all that you get, it’s just like, are we leaving kids because they can’t even think about going,” Batten said.

She added, “I just wonder how many kids look at this and don’t even consider it.”