Gates Chili board unanimously approves HBCU and varsity hockey student trips

The Gates Chili Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve two student travel requests on Jan. 20, 2026: a proposed HBCU college‑visit trip planned for March 2026 and a varsity hockey overnight trip to Glens Falls, New York, on Jan. 30–31, 2026.

Board President Coffey called for motions on the items and the meeting recorded that "the vote is unanimous." The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally or individual yes/no votes; the chair announced approval without naming a mover or seconder in the record.

The HBCU trip presentation noted 31 students met the criteria to apply, up from 12 and 13 in the prior two years, and described collaboration with Rush‑Henrietta, Penfield, West Irondequoit and East Rochester to reduce costs and coordinate logistics. A presenter described planned visits including the National Museum of African American History and said arrangements would include motorcoach travel, hotel lodging and meal provisions.

Lisa Young, director of physical education, health and athletics, described the varsity hockey trip as a repeat overnight experience for 24 students with four coaches, two students per hotel room, two games across two days, and funding for hotel and some meals coming from team fundraising and booster support. She said transportation would meet teams at Rush‑Henrietta High School and coaches would supervise students overnight.

Next steps: The district will proceed with trip logistics and parent communication as outlined in the presentations; no additional board conditions were recorded in the transcript.