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Board supports continuing student exchange with Beijing Academy; asks staff for written agreement
Summary
Trustees expressed support for continuing a cultural exchange with Beijing Academy and requested the district produce or locate the contractual agreement and program documentation before approving student travel.
The Glen Rock Public School District Board of Education expressed support on March 17 for continuing a multicultural student exchange with Beijing Academy and asked district staff to locate and provide a written agreement outlining program details and expectations.
District staff reported that the district previously sent eight students and two teachers to Beijing and later hosted visiting students here; the proposed upcoming student trip is tentatively scheduled for May 31–June 10, would be limited to a maximum of 13 students including two teachers, and would include cultural activities and paired exchanges with Beijing Academy students. Staff also said there is a separate July opportunity for district teachers to travel to Beijing to provide professional development for Beijing Academy teachers.
Board members praised the program’s educational value and encouraged staff to continue it. Board member James Cohen asked for a copy of the existing contract or memorandum of understanding; staff said they would look for the agreement and bring it back to the board. Several members thanked Michelle Della Fortuna for coordinating prior exchanges; staff said she is stepping back from coordination and a teacher has volunteered to lead the program going forward with assistance from Della Fortuna.
No formal vote was reported on the exchange; the board asked staff to return with written documentation and a plan, including any program costs and a longer-range schedule of exchanges, before approving student travel.
