Board approves McFarland High School international trip to Peru with Paracas extension; district not funding student costs

The McFarland School District Board of Education approved a district-sponsored international trip for McFarland High School students to Peru in June 2027, voting 4–0 to authorize district involvement in organizing and marketing the trip. Organizers told the board they expect the custom extension to Paracas on the Pacific coast would make the trip $300–$400 cheaper than the Amazon extension offered in the packet, depending on final traveler counts.

Presenters said the proposed main itinerary follows the district’s prior school-travel pattern — a mix of history, culture and natural sites, including a visit to Machu Picchu and time in Lima — and that Paracas would replace the Amazon optional extension for the last two days. The organizers said a price tier in the proposal lists per-person costs for 10–19 travelers and lower pricing for 20 or more travelers; they told the board they expect at least 20 students and noted the district had 48 students on a prior large trip.

Organizers described fundraising options and earlier examples the district used, including Cherrydale and Bratfest, and said they would pursue additional ideas and scholarships to help make the trip affordable. Board members and presenters emphasized the district’s fiscal position and were explicit that the district will not pay student trip costs or teacher compensation: “none of this is school funded,” a board member said. The district will provide liability coverage and logistical support but not financial subsidies.

Board members asked about safety and medical issues, particularly altitude sickness when traveling to high elevations. Presenters said the itinerary includes an acclimation day and that the tour operator (identified from prior trips) has experience addressing altitude concerns; they advised families to consult physicians and noted medications and mitigation strategies exist. Organizers also referenced positive reviews and prior experience working with the tour operator on a recent Japan trip, highlighting classroom curricular ties to the itinerary and student-learning benefits.

The board motion to approve the trip cited Policy 2340, which requires board approval for district-sponsored summer trip programs. A board member read the motion for the record as: “I move to approve the McFarland High School international trip for 2027 as proposed.” A second was recorded, and the board voted “Aye” by voice; the clerk announced the motion carried, 4–0.

Organizers said kickoff and early signup incentives include a $200 discount for families who register by the October deadline. The presenters asked for approval now to secure that discount and to finalize the custom Paracas extension quote. They said chaperone staffing is being developed and noted a 6:1 student-to-chaperone ratio guideline for similar trips.