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District staff seek approval for 2027 Costa Rica student trip; presenters cite science learning and fundraising options
Summary
District staff proposed a 9-day Costa Rica trip for April 2027, describing a science-oriented itinerary, insurance concerns around ziplining, fundraising tools provided by the tour operator and a chaperone policy of one adult per 10 students; board approval and itinerary finalization were framed as next steps.
Staff presented a proposal for a school-sponsored spring-break trip to Costa Rica in April 2027 and answered committee questions about the itinerary, safety, insurance and costs.
TJ described a 9-day sample itinerary that includes visits to a coffee farm, rainforest hikes, kayaking, hot springs, an aerial tram, a crocodile-safari boat ride and national-park visits. He said organizers are working with EF Educational Tours and referred to the operator’s global experience: “EF is well known worldwide,” he said.
Insurance and safety were discussed. TJ said the district’s insurer (referenced as KIRMA in the presentation) had expressed concern specifically about ziplining and that the insurer quoted a 200-pound limit that could affect participation for some travelers. He said organizers would have EF and the insurer speak directly to confirm coverage; a named contact, Colleen, was cited as part of that process.
Cost and access were central topics. TJ gave a preliminary price estimate that varied by group size, and he described fundraising options EF provides: individualized student fundraising pages, payment-plan options and a global-citizen scholarship that may reduce individual costs. He also said students could potentially earn college credit through EF for an additional fee (speaker said three college credits might be available for about $550). Presenters said chaperone rules would follow district practice: one chaperone per 10 students, chaperones’ trip costs are covered (chaperones do not pay), and trips are open to all students unless explicitly curricular and limited to program participants.
Presenters framed the trip as having strong science and biodiversity learning opportunities and said an informational parent meeting could be held in mid-December to generate interest and allow early sign-ups; early registration would lower costs for those who commit promptly. No board decision or formal approval was recorded at the meeting; presenters said they were asking the committee to consider approval so organizers could begin recruiting and finalizing insurer and itinerary details.
Next steps described by staff include finalizing the itinerary, confirming insurance for activities such as ziplining, holding informational meetings for families, and returning to the board for formal approval of the trip.
