School excursions in Serbia are facing scrutiny over rising costs, safety incidents and questionable tender practices. Parents increasingly find themselves paying for trips without clear insight into what they are funding or how destinations are selected.

A recent incident highlighted safety concerns. A second-grade student from Vuk Karadžić Elementary School in Belgrade was injured during recreational classes in Vrnjacka Banja when part of a streetlight pole fell on him. The case sparked debate over liability.

Who is Responsible for Student Safety?

Ana Dimitrijević of the Forum of Belgrade High Schools explained that responsibility varies by incident type. While teachers feel most accountable for students in their care, she argued that in the Vrnjacka Banja case, the city maintenance authority responsible for public lighting should bear responsibility, not the school or tour guides.

Predrag Jakovljević, director of the Beosonik travel agency, noted that insurance is the last resort agencies must cover for such incidents.

How Are Destinations and Agencies Selected?

Excursions should be educational, aligned with curriculum content, allowing students to connect historical or cultural sites with classroom learning. Established destinations are often chosen based on educational value.

Teachers propose itineraries, which are submitted as requests. Agencies then design routes and submit bids through a tender process. The parent council reviews and approves the most favorable offer, with a commission verifying compliance.

However, transparency remains an issue. In Belgrade's Ninth Gymnasium, one agency has consistently won tenders for years, raising questions among parents.

Controversy at the Ninth Gymnasium

Parents of students at the Ninth Gymnasium have accused director Tatjana Šuković and travel agency "Fantast Travel" of systemic law violations, administrative arbitrariness and financial irregularities. They claim problems include improper handling of teacher per diems, tax evasion and favoritism in tender awards.

According to reports, teachers received contracts stating they worked without compensation, yet per diems were calculated gross for parents but paid net to teachers. The difference, meant for pension and social contributions, allegedly went unpaid, resulting in significant funds disappearing over four years.

Are the Prices Justified?

Jakovljević explained that costs depend on the destination. A trip to Arandjelovac, Risovaca Cave, Orašac and Oplenac might cost around 6,500 dinars per student, including entrance fees of approximately 1,200 dinars, transport at 1,300-1,400 dinars per child for a group of 50, a guide and lunch costing 1,000-2,000 dinars.

Dimitrijević warned that agencies sometimes charge for services that are actually free, such as monastery visits. She noted that parents rarely participate in trip planning, often receiving finalized bills without questioning costs or accommodation quality. With online pricing now easily accessible, discrepancies between agency charges and actual costs are becoming more apparent.