Parents urge action after canceled marching-band trip; board says it will work with families

Several parents addressed the board during public comment about a canceled marching-band trip that had been scheduled for Disney/Florida. Dina Zambrato, identifying herself as the mother of a student, said she and other parents submitted a letter and wanted explanations about refunds and an opportunity for the students to perform: "It was canceled ... as parents, we're hoping to get some explanations on refunds, but more importantly, we really wanna give these kids another period or an opportunity." (Dina Zambrato)

Christina Whitehurst, who identified herself as the mother of a marching-band student, described the emotional toll on families who had traveled and planned around the trip: "Our large family trip was built around celebrating the marching band's amazing opportunity ... I just wanna express how heartbroken we were to hear that students who saved, fundraised, practiced, and planned for, and were excited for this trip would not be able to come and perform." She urged an alternative plan and suggested a recognition event for students.

Parents in the room proposed forming a parent-led committee to explore alternative trips and fast-track approvals if necessary; Brian Eskin and Bart Ayers both thanked district staff for working with parents and asked for expedited review of possible replacements. Board members and the superintendent acknowledged the frustration, thanked parents for their patience, and said building and district administrators were engaged with families to pursue options, including local events or an alternative trip, and to address refunds and logistics.

No formal board action was taken at the meeting; parents indicated they would form a committee to develop proposals and seek the board's assistance to approve time-sensitive arrangements if needed.