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Board approves McFarland High School international trip to Peru in 2027, opts for Paracas extension
Summary
The McFarland School Board voted 4–0 to approve a proposed McFarland High School international trip to Peru in summer 2027 and to use an optional Paracas extension that organizers said would lower per‑traveler cost.
The McFarland School Board voted 4–0 to approve a proposed McFarland High School international trip to Peru in summer 2027, including an itinerary change to an optional Paracas extension rather than the Amazon extension. The board’s approval follows district policy requiring school‑board approval for district‑sponsored summer travel.
Patrick Tuohy, a McFarland High School teacher helping organize the trip, told the board the Paracas extension would make the trip cheaper for families. "If we get 10 to 19 travelers, that’s about $300 cheaper than the Amazon extension," Tuohy said; he added that with 20 or more travelers the Paracas extension would be roughly $400 less expensive than the Amazon option. The organizers said past high‑school trips have seen large student participation — one previous trip included 48 students — and they expect comparable interest.
Organizers described curriculum ties to world history and the Inca, and said reviews for the itinerary and the travel partner have been strong. They cited fundraising options used previously, including Cherrydale and Bratfest, and noted that some company partners offer scholarship funds for eligible students. The group also said the tour operator provides guidance on altitude acclimation, and organizers urged families to consult medical providers and consider pre‑travel medications when appropriate.
Board members emphasized two clarifications during the discussion: first, per district policy the board must grant permission because the trip is district‑sponsored for purposes of student participation and liability coverage; second, the district will not pay for students’ travel costs. "None of this is school funded," a board member said during the discussion; the approval authorizes the program to organize through the school and invite students but not to charge district funds.
The motion to approve the McFarland High School international trip for summer 2027 was moved and seconded during the meeting; the vote was 4 in favor, 0 opposed. The organizers said they planned a kickoff in September to capture an early‑sign‑up discount and would continue fundraising and scholarship outreach to help families afford participation.
