The decision to charge fees for field trips, athletics, etc. beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, was primarily in response to the $2.5 million budget shortfall. The fact that gas prices hit record highs only exacerbated an already difficult situation.
The amount that was collected for extra curricular travel was $26,580, however, the cost incurred was $119,322 based on the actual miles driven and driver hours logged for extra curricular activities during the 08-09 school year. Clearly, travel fees helped to offset some, but hardly all of the cost.
