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La Canada educator recounts China visit, outlines possible ISA student exchange and key logistical concerns
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Gold described a October visit to ISA international schools in Guangzhou, Wuhan and Shenzhen and outlined an exploratory 10–12 day student exchange; she emphasized educational benefits while flagging travel, boarding rules and family‑communication challenges.
Dr. Gold described an October visit to ISA international schools in China and presented an exploratory proposal for a 10–12 day cultural and academic exchange that would bring La Canada Unified students and staff to ISA campuses.
The trip, Dr. Gold said, showed “state‑of‑the‑art facilities” and programs that include an IB pathway and extensive boarding: about 95% of ISA students board during the week. She told the board that ISA leaders said the schools were built rapidly and at scale, with leadership estimating $1.8 billion invested across the campuses visited.
Board members heard that ISA hosts suggested a short exchange in which La Canada students could experience school life, museums, cultural events and activities the district’s students saw on the trip. Dr. Gold warned of practical constraints: “It's about a 15 hour flight,” she said, and noted tight windows for family contact while students are boarding. She also highlighted program rules the district would need to consider, including boarding expectations and limits such as restrictions on cell‑phone use during the week.
School leaders and trustees discussed possible funding and staffing models. Board members raised that some partner programs help cover teacher travel and that the district could explore sending a small number of staff with students. Several trustees and presenters stressed the pedagogical value of immersive cultural experiences for students and teachers.
Dr. Gold said next steps would include running ideas by cabinet and the board and further vetting logistics, costs and policy implications before any formal agreement was pursued.
