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Woodland Hills board debates scope and spending for district's international festival
Summary
Board members questioned up to $10,000 in district support for an October international festival, pressing organizers to clarify student participation, food costs and outside funding. University of Pittsburgh will contribute $4,000; district staff proposed a $10,000 cap pending board approval.
Board members at the Woodland Hills School District agenda-setting meeting on Sept. 10 debated whether to authorize up to $10,000 in district support for an international festival planned for Oct. 9, 2025, and pressed organizers for clearer plans to involve students and reduce food costs.
The curriculum director said the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) has pledged $4,000 toward the event and that school staff and community groups will provide performances and cultural exhibits. The board was asked to approve an open purchase order that could cover vendor food and setup, with the district indicating a $10,000 ceiling but noting an internal preference to limit district exposure to $8,000.
The dispute centered on how much of the festival budget should be paid by the district versus outside partners and how actively students and families would participate. One board member said the event should reflect student-created contributions and community-sourced food rather than rely primarily on outside vendors. Other trustees and staff said students and clubs — including the jazz band and international club — will have booths and performances.
Board members sought more detail on how the money would be used, noting that prior years saw excess food and uncertain attendance counts. Directors suggested stronger registration, clearer descriptions in the funding request (for example, line-iteming food and booth costs), and earlier outreach to community partners and the district foundation to solicit donations.
The item was described as scheduled for an upcoming vote; board members agreed to supply additional planning detail and to explore outside fundraising and vendor partnerships before formal approval.
The discussion also included offers from student leaders to promote student involvement through announcements and club coordination. District staff said Pitt and school clubs will supply many performances and activities, and that schools would continue outreach to families to increase authentic, student-led participation.
Board members and staff framed next steps as getting a fuller budget breakdown, confirming the role of student groups and community volunteers, and returning the item for board approval after additional information is provided.
