Norwalk board approves cheerleading trip, adds music-department trip for future approval

The Norwalk City School District Board of Education approved an overnight trip request for the Norwalk High School varsity cheer team and agreed to add a proposed music-department trip to a future agenda for formal approval.

Mallory Cooker, identified as the head cheerleading coach at Rock High School, told the board the squad — the head coach, an assistant, and 15 varsity cheerleaders — seeks to attend the UCA High School National championships in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 30–Feb. 2, 2026, and described recent competition success at state events and college recruitment for seniors. “Since I've been coaching, this is only my third year. Last year, we did have one senior girl commit to Ashland State University,” Cooker said when describing student advancement.

Separately, music-department representatives proposed a large 2026–27 trip that could include band, orchestra and choir and estimated attendance if every eligible student participated at roughly 250–300 students. Presenters and board members discussed the high cost and fundraising strategies; the music group asked to be placed on a future agenda so families and the board can plan earlier.

Board members voted to add the music-department item to the current meeting agenda and subsequently approved the cheerleading trip request during superintendent items. Discussions stressed limiting the number of times parents are asked to fundraise and using district-approved fundraising and large-ticket options first. No specific district subsidy amount was stated; presenters said they would pursue fundraising to offset costs.

The trip approvals and agenda addition were handled as part of routine superintendent items; formal motions were made, seconded and carried by roll call during the Nov. 11 meeting.