Board approves Iceland geology trip and Colorado band trip; trustees note fundraising and chaperone arrangements

The Owatonna Public School District board on April 28 approved two extended student trips: a science and geology trip to Iceland and a marching band trip to Colorado.

Superintendent Jeff Elstad said the Iceland trip is being organized by OHS science staff to provide students with hands‑on geological study opportunities that are not available elsewhere. He told the board there were more than 50 families at the initial meeting and 9–10 students already committed. “If there wouldn’t have been the student interest, I don’t believe I would have brought this forward for your consideration of approval,” Elstad said. He said students will be expected to fundraise and that community donors have offered to assist families who cannot cover costs.

Board members asked about cost and equity. The presentation noted the trip is expensive—district members referenced examples near $5,000 per student—and that organizers plan fundraising to reduce individual cost burdens. The trip’s application stated that students will not be charged to cover chaperones’ costs; chaperones are expected to cover their own expenses.

The board approved the Iceland trip by voice vote. The board also approved a more routine summer marching band trip to Colorado; the band trip follows previous years’ travel patterns and will be chaperoned by district staff.

Both approvals included the caveat that student participation, fundraising success and final enrollment could alter plans; the superintendent said organizers would update the board if plans became infeasible.