Committee approves 2025–26 French exchange; organizer aims to keep cost under $4,000

The Hanover School Committee approved a 2025–26 French student exchange at its March 12 meeting after the organizer summarized last year’s experience and changes proposed for next year.

Madam Balint (staff member), who presented the program, said the 2023 exchange welcomed 23 French students to Hanover and the U.S. contingent in April included 21 American students. She told the committee she received “almost 30 interest forms” for the coming trip and said organizers hope to send 23 U.S. students and host 23 French students next fall. Balint said the visiting French students are scheduled to arrive Sunday, Oct. 12 (Columbus Day weekend) and stay through Oct. 21; the U.S. students would travel to France during April vacation. She said organizers added an extra day in Paris to reduce the pace of the itinerary and planned two in‑school days at La Roche Royale so visiting students could attend classes and shadow Hanover students.

“Several little things like even the food...after a while, it’s tiring,” Balint said, describing the immersive experience and the changes made in response to student feedback. A Hanover student who spoke to the committee described the trip as “one of the best experiences I’ve ever had” and said her spoken French improved noticeably.

Committee members who participated in the program as hosts praised the organizer and chaperones. Libby Korbel said hosting relieved some parental concerns about communication and praised the chaperones’ work. Jackie Jorgensen and others thanked Balint for adjusting the itinerary using student feedback.

Cost and logistics: Balint said the program aims to keep the per‑student cost below $4,000 even with an additional day in Paris and that Kearney Disposal will donate a 30‑yard dumpster for the PTA fundraiser discussed later in the meeting (this was raised elsewhere on the agenda). She said field trips in both countries and school‑day shadowing remain core elements. The committee approved the program by roll call.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the participant list, travel logistics and a detailed itinerary. Committee members recommended timely communication with families about dates and expected costs.

Ending: Committee members expressed support for continuing immersive exchange opportunities and asked staff to return with final trip details and participant lists prior to travel.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting transcript and are attributed here by the names or labels they used on the record.