District asks board to permit pursuit of reciprocal student exchange with Kiryu, Japan
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Summary
District staff proposed restarting a student delegation exchange with Kiryu (sister city since 1977), asked for proof-of-concept approval to pursue the plan and said participation would be funded by families through fundraising (district would not pay travel costs).
Presenters asked the board for conceptual approval to pursue a reciprocal cultural exchange with Kiryu, Japan, a sister city partner since 1977. Ben Travers and other staff outlined an approximately 10–to–11-day itinerary that would include several days in Kiryu and additional travel time; the presenters described host-family ties and said previous exchanges have focused on arts and social connections.
Presenters said they are not requesting district funds for travel and that families would be expected to fundraise to cover all-inclusive trip costs (flights, hotels, meals, and insurance). “We’re not asking any money from the district,” a presenter said; staff emphasized the plan is a proof-of-concept and asked the board to place a vote on the concept on next week’s agenda.
Board members asked about selection criteria for students and parents, liability and insurance (presenters said the tour cost would be all-inclusive and that a tour company would be used to manage logistics and risk), and whether the district would accept sponsorship assistance; presenters said fundraising, host-family priority for previous exchange participants, and parent interest meetings would shape final selections.
No board vote was taken at the work session; staff said they will seek formal board approval next week to continue planning and present more detailed logistics, budgets and selection processes.