School Committee approves Tornado Travelers 2028 trip to Costa Rica

The Malden School Committee on Oct. 6 approved a proposed Tornado Travelers Club student trip to Costa Rica in 2028 after a presentation by faculty adviser Shauna Campbell Villad.

Campbell Villad, a Malden High School science teacher and club adviser, described the 10-day itinerary and answered committee questions about insurance, absences and fundraising. She said the tour price includes an initial refund-protected insurance package and that families could purchase an optional upgrade allowing cancellation without reason within 24 hours of departure. Campbell Villad said fundraising is intended to supplement individual students' costs but typically will not cover the full trip price.

Committee members asked how missed school days would be handled. Campbell Villad said the trip typically results in one or two excused school days and that students prepare a school-based project connected to the itinerary; participation in the project and completion of assigned work will allow absences to be excused. She added the club holds monthly meetings starting a year before departure to prepare.

The committee motion to approve the trip was made by Chair Spadafore and seconded by Member Hordy. The roll-call vote was recorded as unanimous.

Campbell Villad told the committee the listed per-student cost was $42.79 (monthly payment figure discussed in the meeting) and that fundraising could reduce individual obligations; she emphasized that families could opt into additional insurance for fuller cancellation protection.

The district did not identify any additional district-funded expenses tied to the approved trip at the Oct. 6 meeting.