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Board approves Costa Rica trip, March claims and several policy and contract items
Summary
At its April 21 meeting the Grand Rapids Public School District board approved an international student trip to Costa Rica for summer 2027, adopted policy changes, approved March claims totaling $7,734,005.87 and authorized an inter-district moving-assistance agreement with ISD 319 Nashwauk-Keewatin.
The Grand Rapids Public School District board voted on a series of routine and program items during its April 21 regular meeting, including approval of an international field trip to Costa Rica in June 2027, adoption of a fixed-asset policy change and several budget and contract approvals.
The board approved an international Spanish-class trip to Costa Rica proposed by Spanish teacher Rachel Pierce. Pierce said the trip would run nine to 10 days in June 2027, use EF Tours as the provider, and cost roughly $3,700 per student under a standard tour; a privately chartered tour to keep the group separate from other schools would raise the price to about $4,300. Pierce said EF Tours will provide escalation and safety support and that her chaperone plan is one paid chaperone for every six paying students; two district teachers had volunteered as chaperones. Pierce said the trip cost will be covered by students and fundraising, not the district. A motion to approve the trip was moved by a board member and seconded; the board approved the request by voice vote.
Other formal actions approved by the board included:
- Approval of the March 2025 claims in the amount of $7,734,005.87. - Approval of the March 31, 2025 regular meeting minutes. - Acceptance of one retirement (Kathleen Sumner, ESP; 28 years of service). - Approval of the second reading and adoption of policy 704 (fixed-asset inventory/accounting), revised to align with GASB guidance and MSBA recommendation. - Rescission of policy 533.2 (Bicycle and Walking to School) after the policy review committee and wellness committee recommended removal because it communicates philosophy rather than enforceable board policy. - Approval of an assistance agreement with ISD 319 (Nashwauk-Keewatin) for Grand Rapids staff to support a district move into a new school building; the contract lists estimated costs of approximately $29,300 to cover wages, benefits and mileage for two Grand Rapids facilities staff. - Approval of the consent agenda (routine personnel and staff-related items).
Most votes were taken by voice vote; the meeting record does not contain a roll-call vote tally for each item. Several motions were moved and seconded by board members on the record.
The board also heard informational reports including a presentation by the Itasca Area Schools Collaborative on career pathways, technology services, special education and planned reductions in early-learning programming after the Blandin Foundation grant ends.
The meeting adjourned after the consent agenda and scheduled regular business.
