Board approves band trip to Sugar Bowl, out-of-state staff travel, surplus of retired band uniforms and renews WGU student teaching agreement

The Worthington Public School District board approved several operational items including extracurricular travel, surplus property declarations and a student-teaching partnership renewal.

Band trip: The board approved a recommendation from the instructional committee to send the marching band to the Sugar Bowl parade in New Orleans (approx. Dec. 26'Jan. 2, 2027 travel window). Administration said the district typically covers the cost for marching band staff members (three or four people) and a nurse to accompany the group; the district's estimated contribution for staff was given as roughly $10,000'$12,000. Motion to approve came from Eric and was seconded by Matt.

Out-of-state travel (UFLY Academy): The board approved an out-of-state travel request for four staff (two teachers, Melissa Jensen and one Prairie Elementary administrator) to attend the three-day UFLY literacy conference in Florida; the request had prior approval from the instructional committee and staff development team.

Surplus property: Administration requested declaring a batch of retired marching band uniforms as surplus after concluding the time and cost of dry-cleaning and parceling for resale was prohibitive; the board approved the surplus declaration.

Student teaching agreement: The board renewed an annual student-teaching agreement with Western Governors University to continue supporting student teachers and the district's teacher pipeline.

Each item passed by voice vote; the board did not attach additional conditions to approvals at the meeting.