Proctor board approves two out-of-state student trips after student and staff presentations

The Proctor Public School District board approved two out-of-state student travel requests and heard students describe learning gains from a recent media conference.

The board voted to approve a science-focused student trip to Belize and a combined band-and-choir trip to Walt Disney Worlds Imagination Campus after teachers and students presented details, costs and educational goals.

Why it matters: Board members said both trips provide curricular or co-curricular experiences tied to classroom learning and extracurricular skill-building, while trustees and staff emphasized safety, chaperone requirements and fundraising to keep student costs manageable.

Teacher presented the Belize proposal, saying the Feb. 1320 itinerary would include tropical-forest and coral-reef ecology work alongside scientists and conservation partners and that the cost to students would be "$4,695." Board members asked about chaperone coverage and whether students could use the trip for service hours; the presenter said seniors could count participation toward service requirements if applicable.

Miss Sandor, representing the music department, described a planned April 14 trip for band and choir that would include a workshop hosted by Disneys Imagination Campus. Sandor said the department would seek fundraising to reduce costs; if enough students sign up, per-person costs would fall (estimates provided to the board ranged from approximately $2,025 to about $2,160 per student depending on group size).

Students who attended the STN conference shared several observations. Eleventh-grader Tanner Hargraves said the conference's tight deadlines and breakout sessions "definitely push you outside of what you're used to" and gave students practical experience in broadcast and production. Student Riley Roge said the trip "was a lot of fun" and helped peers grow in confidence and skills.

Both travel requests were moved, seconded and approved on voice votes. The board asked staff to provide follow-up reports after the trips and confirmed chaperone and passport requirements where applicable.

The board also recognized studentsand staff for recent accomplishments during the meeting, including awards at STN and academic honors; several board members thanked the students and chaperones for representing the district.

The board requested that returning trip participants prepare brief reports for a future meeting so trustees can review outcomes and any lessons learned.