HOISINGTON — Hoisington High School juniors and seniors will have a new opportunity for adventure with a trip to New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. scheduled for the spring of 2012.

The trip will be school sponsored, but the students will raise all of the funds themselves and pay all expenses. So far, 36 students have signed up for the trip. The students must meet eligibility requirements set by the school district for participation in school activities. Early graduates will not be allowed to participate.

There must be 35 paid participants, or the trip will be called off. USD 431 School Board approved the trip on Monday night.

The students must have the first installment of the cost in by May 1.

In other business, the board republished the budget for the 2010-11 school year due to increased enrollment. There will be no increase in the city tax levy. The board adopted the new budget. Three funds will be adjust including food service, vocational education, and at-risk.

The St. John Catholic Church youth requested the use of a bus for a trip to Omaha, Neb. They will pay the cost of the bus driver and other expenses. The board approved the measure.

The Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms presented a PowerPoint presentation on the second grade education day at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.

Plans are being made for 359 students county-wide to attend the day in September 2011.

Superintendent Bill Lowry presented information to the board about adding pole vaulting to track. The school received a donation for $18.000 specifically to add pole vaulting.

Council member Pat Kephart questioned the safety and insurance costs.

Lowry said that the quality of the mats has increased and that the rate of injuries is lower than some other track events.

Other board members were in favor of adding pole vaulting to complete the athletic complex.

After some additional discussion, the issue was tabled for further research into the cost of poles and how many students would like to participate.

School district students will have the opportunity to attend a demonstration on the consequences of drinking and driving. Lowry said the demonstration was to help the students make wise choices during the spring season and upcoming prom and graduation.

The USD 431 Foundation will award two $500 scholarships which are renewable for three years from the endowment set up by the sale of the two Birger Sandzen paintings.

The school’s honor banquet is at 6:30 p.m. on April 25. Nineteen seniors will be recognized.