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Methuen High DECA chapter cleared to send students to ICDC after committee approves trip
Summary
The Methuen School Committee voted to approve a request for students in the Methuen High School DECA chapter to attend the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando; advisors and qualifying students described the rapid growth of the program and fundraising plans to cover travel costs.
The Methuen School Committee on March 10 approved a request allowing qualifying Methuen High School DECA students to attend the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando in April.
The item, presented by DECA advisor Josh Regado, said 63 Methuen students competed at the state level and five advanced to nationally qualifying placements. “Five students placed in the top 6 and are eligible to represent MHS at DECA Nationals in Orlando,” Regado told the committee. He said the chapter has grown from roughly 20 students two years ago to 200 this year.
Why it matters: Committee members pressed for details on funding and student attendance rules before voting. Vice Chair and other members asked whether absences for the trip would be excused and how the travel would be financed; school leaders said the principal can excuse the absences and the district will pursue fundraising, sponsorships and some operating funds to cover the immediate trip while applying for larger grants used by other districts going forward.
Regado and students described both competitive success and program growth. Student speakers said the chapter offers leadership, real-world business experience and networking. “DECA has taught us how to think critically, communicate confidently and handle high pressure situations,” one student said. Several students described projects and competitions that led to the national qualification.
Funding and safeguards: The principal (Mr. Corett) and district staff explained that the conference sets hotel and chaperone rules that the district must follow. Committee members raised concerns about student cell-phone policies and supervision; Regado and staff said advisors will accompany students, the conference issues a detailed itinerary online, and they will follow the conference’s rooming and supervision rules.
Vote and next steps: After discussion the committee voted in favor; the motion carried (ayes). Committee members asked for real-time updates while students attend nationals and district staff said they would provide timely reports and that advisors and the principal will keep the committee informed.
Ending: Students who qualified will travel in April; the district said it would pursue grants and fundraising to cover costs and would brief the committee on final arrangements and post-trip outcomes.
