Dozens of parents, students and teachers urged the Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees on Nov. 13 to pause or reverse a recent decision that would end the district’s long‑running fifth‑grade Outdoor Science School (OSS).

At public comment, Audrey Kinchenko, a Cox Elementary parent, said she had been unable to find an explanation for why her fourth‑grade child “is not going for the science camp,” and asked, “What makes next year a difference so my kid is not going for the science camp?” Kinchenko said parents are prepared to help with fundraising and volunteer support.

PTA leaders and teachers described OSS as a decades‑old rite of passage. “The decision feels abrupt and final,” said Stephanie Monson, PTA president at Cox Elementary, adding she believed the district should have worked with PTAs and parents to seek solutions before canceling the program.

Teachers and former attendees gave similar testimony. Jennifer Moore, a fifth‑grade teacher, said OSS “is not just a fun field trip. When students come back from after science school, they don’t just know more science. They see themselves as scientists.” Several speakers cited studies and local experience showing gains in engagement and skills after the week‑long program.

Parents also raised equity concerns. One parent pointed out that sites shifting to Title I status will have students with fewer enrichment opportunities outside school; several speakers said eliminating OSS would disproportionately harm low‑income students who rely on school‑run overnight experiences.

Speakers proposed concrete steps: pause the change to allow community input, form a working group with parents, teachers and site administrators, review options to strengthen safety protocols rather than eliminate the program, and explore local fundraising or grants. Several parents reported rapid petition support; one parent said nearly 500 people had signed a petition within a day.

Board responses at the meeting were limited. President Crandall thanked speakers and Superintendent Dr. Stott told the audience he looked forward “to the opportunity to having those conversations” with community members and staff about the program’s future. The board did not take a formal vote on the OSS program at this meeting.

What happens next: the board invited further conversation and has scheduled the next regular meeting for Dec. 11, 2025, at 5 p.m. Parents and PTA leaders said they expect to press the board for a public workshop or a joint working group before any final decision is implemented.