Responding to a widespread community outcry, Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her announced Thursday morning that school field trips this year will be funded.

The funds will be covered by the nonprofit Foundation for Fresno Unified Students.

Last month, district officials revealed the elimination of funding for field trips to places such as Monterey Bay Aquarium, various colleges and universities, and the famous sixth-grade camp.

Following that decision, which appeared to violate a district promise to engage families making changes that affect students at large, district officials defended the action as necessary because of ongoing budget challenges.

Thousands Signed Petitions

However, pressure applied by the teachers union and other community members apparently convinced Her to reverse the decision.

“We are grateful for this decision because our students will get these opportunities back. But this outcome did not happen in a vacuum. It happened because parents, educators, students, and community members refused to let the issue go,” FTA said.

“Thousands signed the petition. Families spoke out. Educators raised questions. The community demanded answers about why these trips were being cut and why families had not been meaningfully engaged before the decision was made.”

The estimated cost to fund field trips was $2.2 million to $3 million. However, critics pointed out that Fresno Unified could have easily covered that amount by using some of its $122 million reserve.

“A solution was found because the people of Fresno made it clear that taking these opportunities away from students was unacceptable,” FTA said.

Her Explains Decision

“Over the past few weeks, I have heard from parents, students, staff, principals, and community members regarding field trips. I want you to know that I have taken every piece of feedback to heart,” Her said in a statement.

“I understand that many of you learned about the change to our centralized field trip program in August, just as the school year began. That is not how you should have heard about it.
When something changes that affects your child, you should hear it directly from us. That did not happen in the way it should have, and for that, I take responsibility. It is not how I want Fresno Unified to operate. I am committed to ensuring we learn and grow from this experience.”

Her also touched on the district’s fiscal challenges.

“While the Foundation’s generosity restores these centralized field trips for this school year, it does not change the long-term financial realities facing our district,” the superintendent said. “This gift provides an important opportunity for our students today, but it does not eliminate the difficult decisions Fresno Unified will continue to face as enrollment declines and resources become more limited. I believe it is important to celebrate this support while also being honest about the challenges ahead.”

Read the Superintendent’s Statement