Nashoba robotics advisors seek preliminary approval for trip to FIRST World Championship in Houston

At the Nov. 19 Nashoba Regional School Committee meeting, district staff introduced the NRHS robotics advisors and presented an informational field‑trip packet seeking preliminary approval to attend the FIRST World Championship in Houston if the team qualifies.

Advisors Aaron Stutham and Brian Broder said the team has qualified for worlds three years in a row and described the experience’s educational value — international competition, college and employer fairs, and skills demonstrations. The competition window runs broadly April 29–May 2; advisors said formal qualification is confirmed about two weeks before the event (mid‑April), so the district uses fall preliminary approvals with a cost range to allow timely bookings and logistics.

Costs and equity: Advisors estimated per‑student travel costs between $1,500 and $2,000 for airfare and hotel, producing an approximate team total of $22,050–$34,000 on an estimated 15‑student trip. They said parents typically book airfare, ConferenceDirect often handles hotel blocks, and fundraising and nonprofit support have been used historically to subsidize students who cannot afford travel. The advisors emphasized they proactively outline season expectations and financial commitments at a December meeting with students and families.

Committee response and next steps: Members congratulated the team, asked for public streaming links when the team advances, and asked staff to present a preliminary authorization and formal vote at the next meeting after qualification. The committee did not take a vote on Nov. 19; members expressed support for the fall preliminary-approval practice used for time‑sensitive competitions.