Oak Park board approves Oak Park High marching band trip to New Orleans and college auditions

The Oak Park School District Board of Education on Jan. 27 approved an overnight out-of-state field trip for the Oak Park High School marching band to travel Feb. 27–March 4 to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras parade performance and college auditions.

Trustee Scott moved the item and Trustee Corcoran seconded. Trustees approved the trip by roll call. The agenda item states the trip offers cultural and performance opportunities and noted the band program will receive a minimum $4,000 award tied to participation; the motion specifies the $4,000 is awarded to the band/music program, not paid by the district to individuals. The board discussion clarified the district provided additional financial support to the program: a trustee said the district provided $10,000 toward transportation and hotel costs to ensure drivers, meals and supervision were covered.

Band Director Mr. Aches addressed the board after approval, thanking trustees and saying students are excited and that the trip provides scholarship and audition opportunities; he said about 85 students make up the full band and there are 17 seniors this year. Trustees asked about meals, staff ratios and fundraising; staff said fundraisers and district support would cover costs and that the district arranged for three meals per day for students and appropriate staff/volunteer coverage.

The board noted district bylaws require board approval for overnight out-of-state travel; no amendments were made to the approved motion.