School Board approves student trip to Winter Park Ski Music Festival

The Shawnee Mission School District held a special board meeting on March 5, 2025, to address a single action item concerning student travel. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and was called to order after confirming a quorum.

The primary agenda item was the approval of a trip for Shawnee Mission East concert and jazz band students to attend the Winter Park Ski Music Festival in Colorado from March 19 to March 23, 2025. Dr. Schumacher presented the proposal, which included an expenditure not to exceed $101,250. This amount would cover charter bus transportation, lodging, ski lift rentals, lift tickets, and meals for approximately 58 students, along with three district employees and ten approved parents serving as chaperones.

Dr. Schumacher emphasized that no district funds would be used for this trip; instead, students would rely on personal funds and fundraising efforts. He acknowledged the board's willingness to convene for this special meeting, noting that a procedural oversight could have prevented the students from participating in this educational opportunity.

Following the presentation, a motion to approve the trip was made by Board Member Hembry and seconded by Board Member Workman. The board members expressed their support for the students and the trip, with one member commenting on the importance of providing this opportunity. The motion was unanimously approved.

The meeting concluded shortly after the vote, with the board expressing gratitude for the collaboration that allowed the trip to be approved in a timely manner. The meeting was adjourned, marking the end of the brief but significant gathering.