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School committee approves two out‑of‑state robotics trips; team fundraising will cover entry fees
Summary
The committee approved an overnight trip to Falmouth, Maine and a day trip to the University of Rhode Island for the Oliver Ames High School robotics team; mentors said team fundraising covers competition fees and most families will provide transportation.
The Easton School Committee on Feb. 27 approved two out‑of‑state robotics competition trips requested by the Oliver Ames Robotics team.
Details: Mentors asked the committee to approve a trip to Falmouth, Maine for Feb. 28–March 2 and a competition at the University of Rhode Island March 12–15. Helder Lobel, a team mentor, told the committee the group tried to find in‑state venues but only Maine and Rhode Island were available for the dates; the team has 47 students this year.
Funding and transportation: Mentors and parents said team fundraising covers the event entry fees (Copas quoted a $4,200 entry fee for a two‑competition package), and that families will generally provide transportation. The team arranged a volunteer chaperone option for the few students whose families could not provide a ride; the committee discussed the district’s obligation to provide a bus and the mentors said they had sought funding but were not contracting district transportation for these events.
Board action: The committee approved both trips by roll call.
Quote: "The closest we can get to is Maine and Rhode Island," said mentor Helder Lobel, explaining venue availability and the team’s request.
Ending: Mentors thanked the committee and said they would return to report results should the team advance in subsequent rounds.
