Pulaski board approves student choir trip to Italy

The Pulaski Community School District board voted unanimously to approve a proposed choir trip to Italy that would take place during the 2025–26 winter break and include performances in Rome and other Italian towns.

The choir director, identified in the meeting as Mrs. Allen, told the board the proposed travel dates are roughly Dec. 28 through Jan. 4 and that the student price is about $4,000 with an adult price of about $4,600. Mrs. Allen said the trip would include a performance in a church in Rome and possible additional impromptu performances; the itinerary mentioned Assisi, Florence and Orvieto.

The trip organizer said a standard monthly payment plan is available (about $180 per month for students and $209 for adults), and that the travel company provides basic insurance with optional higher levels of insurance. The choir director said she pre-surveyed interest and received responses from 19 students and parents committed and another roughly 32 students indicating interest.

“She extended an invitation for us to come to Italy to perform with her,” Mrs. Allen said of Dominica Zamara, the Italian-based singer who has performed with the Pulaski choir and helped facilitate the invitation.

Board members asked about refund and insurance policies and whether students who move into the district later would still be able to join. The choir director said refunds and insurance are included at a baseline level and that additional insurance options exist; she said she would confirm details on late registrants.

Mrs. Allen and board members also discussed fundraising and scholarships. Mrs. Allen said EF (the travel company) and the district’s booster organization offer scholarship and fundraising options; she also noted EF runs payment plans and provides on-site support in Rome.

At the end of the presentation a board member moved to approve the trip and another member seconded. The chair called for a voice vote: “Aye,” and then “Motion carried.”

The board did not set a final roster or a deposit schedule in public session; Mrs. Allen said she would hold a parent meeting and begin accepting registrations if district approval is retained.

Why it matters: The trip would be a major out-of-country performance opportunity for choir students and involves significant out-of-pocket costs per participant and fundraising commitments by families and booster groups.

What’s next: Mrs. Allen said she will hold a parent meeting and begin accepting registrations after district approval and after confirming refund/insurance details with the travel company.