Board approves Lower Moreland High School music trip to Chicago; estimated cost about $1,100 per student

The Lower Moreland Township School District board on Aug. 19 approved an overnight trip for the Lower Moreland High School music department to Chicago in May during the upcoming school year.

Mister Obergeier, the music department presenter, told the board the itinerary would include a performance in Lincoln Park, a clinic with Notre Dame music faculty, and an outing to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Cultural stops described included the 360 CHICAGO observation deck and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The trip is scheduled to include Memorial Day to reduce missed school days.

The presenter said the travel package — arranged through a tour agency — will include at least two meals per day, charter-bus transportation, a full-time tour guide, a nurse on the trip, rental of music stands and percussion instruments when needed, and evening hallway security with written overnight reports. He said the agency provides an online payment portal so the district staff will not handle cash. The cost is not finalized for some items (show and park tickets), but the presenter estimated approximately $1,100 per student.

Board members asked about eligibility, capacity and fundraising. The presenter said the trip is open to ninth through 12th graders in the music department and that past trips have averaged about 160 students; he said there is no set attendance cap. He said fundraising is available but participation has been “sporadic,” noting roughly 15% of students typically participate in fundraisers and that students who do fundraise can substantially reduce their out-of-pocket cost. The presenter said students who do not meet school behavioral or academic expectations have, in past years, been removed from trips after a conversation with parents and administrators; refunds are possible within the travel agency’s refund timeline (about 30 days before departure, as stated by the presenter).

The board voted to approve the overnight trip request as presented; no opposing votes were recorded in the meeting minutes.

Board members and staff also clarified lodging and travel logistics. The presenter said the first night would be at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, and subsequent nights at a Marriott in Chicago; the itinerary includes a stop near Notre Dame to accommodate bus driver rest requirements.

The approval came during the board’s agenda item on school board overnight trips. The motion carried by voice vote.

The district will post the final trip details, updated costs and any required permission forms per district procedure.