Eagle Point High Envirothon team seeks board permission to travel to Canada if invited to nationals

Students representing the Eagle Point High School Envirothon team asked the Eagle Point School District 9 Board of Directors for permission Jan. 10 to travel out of the country if the team advances to the National Envirothon in Calgary, Alberta.

Student speakers described the competition structure (regional, state and national levels), the five event categories (wildlife ecology, aquatic ecology, forestry, soils/land use and the current‑event problem), and the educational and team‑building goals of the trip. Team members said the Oregon Forest Resources Institute covers expenses for the six competition days but estimated total travel and lodging costs for the student group and chaperones at about $9,240, which the students said they are raising through bottle‑drop collections, sponsorships and other fundraisers.

School and board members discussed district policy that requires board permission for out‑of‑state or international student travel. Board members encouraged the team to continue fundraising and to coordinate community outreach and volunteer opportunities that will strengthen their application for support. Several board members offered to connect the students with local sponsors and community resources.

At the meeting the board indicated tentative approval and “support” for the travel request, with members saying they were willing to grant permission contingent on (a) the team qualifying for nationals, (b) the team documenting its fundraising plan and (c) final review of any district policy or legal/permission requirements. Board members asked that the team work with school administrators and the district to complete any necessary forms and to return with confirmed placement and a funding update before the district issues formal approval.