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Board approves proposed 2027 student band/choir trip to Italy
Summary
Board members approved a proposed Grand Tours educational performance trip to Italy in 2027, hearing details on itinerary, student supervision (one adult chaperone per eight students), fundraising plans, payment arrangements handled directly by the tour company, and safety/discipline protocols; an informational meeting is planned in February.
The Chisago Lakes School Board approved a proposal to permit student enrollment in a proposed 2027 international educational performance trip to Italy organized by Grand Tours. Presenters Jackie Ondham (introduced as a high‑school "fire teacher" in the transcript) and colleague Giudalizzi (director of the band program) asked the board to approve the itinerary outline, supervision plan, fundraising approach and timeline so families can begin enrollment.
What the board heard: The presenters described a curriculum‑based music performance tour with cultural and historical immersion, listing destinations in the presentation as Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, 'Quereto' and Rome. They said the itinerary includes approximately two to three student performance opportunities and that Grand Tours is a Minnesota‑based company that handles ticketing and much of the logistics and local guiding. Presenters emphasized supervision and safety: the group aims for a low chaperone‑to‑student ratio (the previous trip used about one adult per eight students), prioritizes district staff and screened chaperones (including background checks), and uses district code of conduct standards while students are traveling.
Fundraising and payments: Presenters described multiple fundraising options used previously (mattress sales, car‑wash cards, pasta dinners, chocolate and other school fundraisers). They said Grand Tours handles payments and cancellations and that families can pay the company directly (monthly payment plans are available), which reduces district handling of cash. A figure read in the presentation for the trip cost was '44.95' (as spoken in the transcript); presenters also said the final per‑student price is typically set in September of the year before travel depending on enrollment.
Why it matters: The approved travel request clears the way for parent informational meetings and student enrollment; the board confirmed the district will continue to require signed parental acknowledgements, medical documentation and adherence to the student code of conduct for travel. Presenters noted prior successful large group travel and said the district retains supervisory responsibility while abroad.
Next steps: Presenters said an informational meeting for families is expected roughly one month after the presentation (timeline references included January and an introductory meeting in early February), and enrollment will proceed per the provider's timelines if families choose to participate. The board approved the request by voice vote.
Note on transcript figures: the spoken cost figure '44.95' appears in the transcript and may reflect a missing digit or formatting; the district and tour operator will set and publish the final per‑student price when confirmed.
