Okemos teachers propose summer 2026 Costa Rica trip for eighth-graders; board questions chaperones, costs and fundraising

Anne Onan, an Okemos Public Schools Spanish teacher, asked the board to approve an eighth-grade educational trip to Costa Rica planned for June 2026. The presentation described a WorldStrides itinerary that would include visits to Tortuguero, Arenal and Manuel Antonio; guided cultural and language activities; 3-credit optional coursework available through George Mason University; and lodging in three- to four‑star hotels.

Onan said about 60 students have shown interest, which would allow two groups of about 30 students each. She said the group currently has four confirmed adult chaperones if the board approves: co-leader Tricia Funk, and three staff members who volunteered to go — Elizabeth McNeil and Jose Gutierrez were named during the presentation in addition to Onan and Funk. Onan said families have been able to make interest deposits and that at least 30 students have already paid deposits to reserve places; she told trustees deposits would be refunded if the board did not approve the trip.

The trip package described by Onan includes three meals daily, bilingual tour guides provided by WorldStrides, 24/7 tour-direction support and an optional zipline activity; Onan said students who opt out of ziplining are offered supervised alternative activities. She said WorldStrides offers an interest-free monthly payment plan of roughly 14 months and a fundraising tool in which an enrolled student receives a personalized donation page; Onan described past student fundraising success using that tool.

Trustees asked several operational and equity questions. Trustee Katie Kavanaugh asked whether the district sought more than one quote; Onan said the group did not pursue multiple bids before selecting WorldStrides and apologized that staff were not aware of a recent board policy on seeking multiple bids. Trustee Brent asked about capacity and said some students already have deposits; Onan said the plan would accommodate two 30-student groups and that students who could not fit would be given priority for a future trip. Trustees also pressed for clarity on chaperone selection and timing: Onan said the district’s usual practice is to use vetted adults who undergo district background checks and that teacher chaperones would be finalized after enrollment numbers are confirmed. Trustee Andrew Phelps asked when travel schedules are set; Onan said specific flight itineraries are usually firmed about 60 days before departure.

Onan described a potential college-credit option: a three-credit course available through George Mason University, which would require students to complete additional coursework within six months of return. She also said WorldStrides’s tour directors typically speak Spanish and English and are vetted by the company.

Onan told trustees the company contact (identified in the presentation as Michael) had offered flexible discount and extended deposit deadlines to help families find funding. Trustees pressed for additional fundraising supports for families who lack social networks to raise money; Onan said the trip team planned to meet with parents to brainstorm targeted fundraising events once enrollment was confirmed.

Why it matters: The board must decide whether to authorize a district-sponsored international trip that will involve district staff chaperones, student fees and district oversight. Trustees voiced interest in written chaperone vetting procedures, evidence of compliance with district bidding policy and a clear refund plan for families if the board declines approval.

The district has not yet placed this item on the board’s action agenda. Onan said she would return with clarifying information if the board requests it.

Ending: Trustees asked staff to provide the board additional documents and confirmations — including whether multiple quotes were solicited, a final chaperone approval process and a clear description of financial-assistance options — before formal approval is scheduled.