Students Urge Bridgewater Schools To Restore Canceled England Exchange Program

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Students came together and urged the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School Board to reverse its decision to cancel the 30-year tradition of the England exchange program.

Many of the students called the trip a "once in a lifetime" experience.

"Please give us this opportunity to become sensitive, culturally diverse humans in this immersive experience. And please reconsider your decision after hearing all of us out," said one sophomore at the June 20 meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Bob Beers said the BOE understands some students and their families are upset and concerned about the cancelation of the class trip to England, known as the Kimbolten exchange.

"Unfortunately, the Board of Education and the administration were informed last month that the trip raised several safety and legal issues. Although the Board can not detail all of the legal issues publicly the trip as proposed did not comply with federal law regarding exchange programs, or state laws and board policies regarding field trips. In addition, the legal compliance issues, concerns regarding the safety and supervision of students on the trip, and resulting liability to the district could not be addressed for the trip to proceed," said Beers.

Beers welcomed anyone to comment on the issue but noted that the "Board will not be responding to questions about underlying legal issues or reasoning about the trip cancellation at this time."

One student shared the joy and excitement she and the other 15 students had when getting the letter that they were accepted on the trip and then the disappointment when they received an email about its cancelation.

"It was exactly the same as giving a baby a lollipop and then taking it away before they had a chance to lick it," said the student.

One mother of a student also urged the Board to reverse its decision.

"Why can't we look at solutions and try to figure out a solution? The trip is not until the fall. Instead of having a dialogue with the community, with the teachers, with the parents, we just get a letter saying this has been canceled. That is why our kids are so disappointed instead of trying to find a solution," said the parent. "I urge you to relook at this."

Since the decision to cancel the trip, a petition was started by students, which has garnered almost 350 signatures as of Tuesday. To read the petition or sign it click here.

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