Parents in Seminole County are raising concerns after a local high school team’s request to travel out of state was denied.The school district says the decision is tied to budget challenges, but some parents say these types of trips typically come at little to no cost to the district.Tara Sloane, a parent at Oviedo High School, said her daughter was excited about the opportunity to travel to Hawaii in September with the Oviedo volleyball team, the reigning Class 6A state champions.“This tournament is an opportunity for a lot of these girls to get exposure for recruiting opportunities and playing at the next level, which they pour their heart and soul into,” Sloane said.That excitement ended when the Seminole County School District denied an application submitted by the team’s coach in January.Sloane said players had already fundraised the money needed for the trip, meaning the tournament would have required little to no financial support from the district.Other parents voiced similar concerns during a recent school board meeting.“All of these approvals we have seen in the past said there was no financial impact to the district,” one parent said.In a statement, the district said it is facing financial pressures:”We want to take a moment to clarify and address a rumor circulating in our community as it pertains to a policy or ban on out-of-state travel.”Seminole County Public Schools, like many districts across Florida, is currently navigating budget challenges due to factors such as declining enrollment, lower birth rates, and reduced funding. Our top priority remains unchanged: continuing to serve our students with excellence, and keeping our schools open.”As we work through these financial realities, we are taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to all spending decisions. This includes carefully reviewing out-of-state travel and activities for students and staff to ensure they align with our educational goals and that resources are used wisely.”To be clear: there is no new policy or ‘ban’ on out-of-state travel. “Students and staff may still participate in these opportunities; however, each request will receive additional review and consideration as part of our commitment to being good stewards of district resources while still supporting meaningful and enriching experiences.”We appreciate your partnership and understanding as we continue to prioritize what matters most: our students, staff, and strong public schools.”Some parents worry the decision could signal a broader policy change, potentially restricting all overnight or out-of-state trips. Concerns grew after an email, reportedly from an assistant superintendent, suggested such travel would not be approved.“It pretty explicitly said that no overnight or out-of-state field trips would be approved,” said Jennifer Devine, a Winter Springs High School parent and former teacher.School board members, however, have called that claim a rumor.For Sloane and other parents, the uncertainty is frustrating.“We just sort of feel like, at some point, there needs to be accountability,” she said.
Parents in Seminole County are raising concerns after a local high school team’s request to travel out of state was denied.
The school district says the decision is tied to budget challenges, but some parents say these types of trips typically come at little to no cost to the district.
Tara Sloane, a parent at Oviedo High School, said her daughter was excited about the opportunity to travel to Hawaii in September with the Oviedo volleyball team, the reigning Class 6A state champions.
“This tournament is an opportunity for a lot of these girls to get exposure for recruiting opportunities and playing at the next level, which they pour their heart and soul into,” Sloane said.
That excitement ended when the Seminole County School District denied an application submitted by the team’s coach in January.
Sloane said players had already fundraised the money needed for the trip, meaning the tournament would have required little to no financial support from the district.
Other parents voiced similar concerns during a recent school board meeting.
“All of these approvals we have seen in the past said there was no financial impact to the district,” one parent said.
In a statement, the district said it is facing financial pressures:
“We want to take a moment to clarify and address a rumor circulating in our community as it pertains to a policy or ban on out-of-state travel.
“Seminole County Public Schools, like many districts across Florida, is currently navigating budget challenges due to factors such as declining enrollment, lower birth rates, and reduced funding. Our top priority remains unchanged: continuing to serve our students with excellence, and keeping our schools open.
“As we work through these financial realities, we are taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to all spending decisions. This includes carefully reviewing out-of-state travel and activities for students and staff to ensure they align with our educational goals and that resources are used wisely.
“To be clear: there is no new policy or ‘ban’ on out-of-state travel.
“Students and staff may still participate in these opportunities; however, each request will receive additional review and consideration as part of our commitment to being good stewards of district resources while still supporting meaningful and enriching experiences.
“We appreciate your partnership and understanding as we continue to prioritize what matters most: our students, staff, and strong public schools.“
Some parents worry the decision could signal a broader policy change, potentially restricting all overnight or out-of-state trips. Concerns grew after an email, reportedly from an assistant superintendent, suggested such travel would not be approved.
“It pretty explicitly said that no overnight or out-of-state field trips would be approved,” said Jennifer Devine, a Winter Springs High School parent and former teacher.
School board members, however, have called that claim a rumor.
For Sloane and other parents, the uncertainty is frustrating.
“We just sort of feel like, at some point, there needs to be accountability,” she said.
