German exchange program approved for referral to legislative agenda; long‑running homestay resumes if board agrees

Rob Albert, who said he has run Upper Dublin’s German exchange since 2006, presented the district’s plan to host German students in October 2025 and to travel to Germany in summer 2026. The exchange, Albert said, typically includes a roughly 10‑day homestay followed by an extended travel component of about 10–18 days.

Why it matters: The exchange has run for decades (with pandemic interruptions) and is a curricular and cultural opportunity for students enrolled in the German program. Administrators and board members described it as a long‑standing, well‑attended program that supports language learning and cross‑cultural experience.

Details provided: Albert said the program began in 1983, paused only in 2001 (one year) and during the pandemic, and resumed in 2023. He described visiting and hosting logistics and said students typically make a short presentation to the board on return. Committee members asked about post‑trip reporting and noted the experience often yields long‑term student benefits.

Outcome: Committee consensus to forward the exchange proposal to the legislative agenda for board approval.