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Committee approves two overnight school trips: SkillsUSA nationals and Redgate Farm
Summary
The School Committee unanimously approved an overnight trip for High School of Science and Technology students to the SkillsUSA national conference in Atlanta and a Bowles Elementary trip to Redgate Farm in Massachusetts.
The Springfield School Committee unanimously approved two overnight field trips: the High School of Science and Technology’s request to attend the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, scheduled to depart June 23, 2025, and return June 28, 2025; and Bowles Elementary School’s trip to Redgate Farm in Massachusetts, departing June 2, 2025, and returning June 4, 2025.
Superintendent Dr. Denholm introduced the SkillsUSA request and asked Shelley (a district advisor) to summarize the opportunity; Shelley said the school is "very excited to add Scitech to the competitions of SkillsUSA" and described the program’s red blazers and competitive progression from districts to states to nationals.
Principal McCann described the Bowles Elementary trip as a hands‑on experience for fourth and fifth graders: students "work in the fields, on the farm, they work animals, they do chores, they prepare their food, they serve their food, they eat family style." Committee members noted parental concerns about sending younger students overnight but approved the trip after hearing about prior positive experiences.
Both motions passed by roll call with the following recorded "Yes" votes: Mister Gonzales, Attorney Murphy, Mister Collins, Miss Gresham, Miss Hurst, Miss Monroe Naylor and Mayor Sarno.
The committee recorded no additional conditions or amendments in the meeting minutes. Travel dates and itineraries were read into the record; contact and chaperone details were not discussed during the meeting.
Staff noted the district plans to partner with Putnam for cost‑sharing on transportation for the SkillsUSA trip; no specific cost figures for either trip were provided in the meeting record.
