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Asheville City Schools plans subsidized student trip to China; board to place item on consent agenda
Summary
A district‑subsidized two‑week student trip to China (June 7–19, tentative) was presented; organizers said 15–25 students have expressed interest and students would pay only for flight and insurance with other costs covered by a partnership with a Shanghai bilingual school.
Derek Edwards presented a proposal for a two‑week student trip to China next summer, saying the trip is part of the district’s Chinese language program and historically rooted partnerships with a sister school in Shanghai. Organizers expect to leave June 7 (returning around June 19 or 20 depending on flights). He said the trip is heavily subsidized: students would be responsible for airfare and insurance while the sister school and partnership cover most program costs.
Board members asked questions about eligibility (students need not be enrolled in Chinese language classes), fundraising and scholarship options for students who cannot afford the flight, and U.S. State Department or visa concerns. Derek said the tour company and the partnering school have not expressed concerns, and the district will provide chaperones (including the teacher Chuna Liang) and staff participation. Board members indicated consensus to place the trip on next week’s consent agenda for approval.
What’s next: staff will include the itinerary and scholarship/fundraising details in next week’s consent packet so the board can vote. Organizers plan to begin visa work and finalize numbers if the board approves.
