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School committee approves several student trips and policy second readings; votes unanimous
Summary
The committee unanimously approved three student-travel requests (McMahon to Boston, LRTC Southern Italy culinary tour, and a Celtics partnership trip) and approved second readings of policies a–d.
The Lewiston Public Schools School Committee voted unanimously on several agenda items at its Nov. 17 meeting, approving multiple student-travel requests and advancing district policy.
Field trips approved: - McMahon Elementary: Committee approved a day trip for 52 fourth-graders to Boston to walk portions of the Freedom Trail and visit the Museum of Science. Teachers said fundraising is nearly complete, the itinerary includes an early morning charter-bus departure and return in the evening, and at least 10 chaperones and six staff would attend. A committee member moved to approve the trip and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
- LRTC Southern Italy culinary tour (April 2027): LRTC Director Rob Callahan and instructor Tony Scherer described the trip as part of a recurring international culinary series that includes cooking classes and tastings; students earn participation through program fundraising and work. A motion to approve the trip was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Celtics Playbook (Boston): The committee approved a proposal from Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) staff to take two preselected seniors to a Boston Celtics training facility for mentoring and anti-bullying training; the Celtics will pay travel for the visit. The motion passed unanimously.
Policy second readings: A motion to approve the second reading of the policies listed as 'a' through 'd' passed unanimously.
Equity and access concerns: Committee members asked presenters how students who cannot afford trips would participate. LRTC and district presenters said fundraising, student work accounts (EF accounts) and some funded full trips have enabled students to attend; one member proposed considering a general fund so earnings could be shared more equitably.
Votes at a glance (public session): - McMahon field trip to Boston — approved (unanimous) - LRTC Southern Italy trip — approved (unanimous) - Celtics Playbook (JMG) — approved (unanimous) - Policies a–d, second reading — approved (unanimous)
What's next: Presenters will continue fundraising and finalize logistics; the committee did not record dissenting votes on these items in the public excerpt.
