Board approves overnight trips for band and SkillsUSA competitors

The Elkhorn Area School District board voted May 11 to approve two overnight student travel requests: one for the middle‑school band to attend the Beyond the Notes Music Festival and another to send a SkillsUSA competitor to state/national events in Atlanta.

Band program staff described the Kalahari festival, clinician workshops and a performance slot at 7:50 p.m.; the teacher noted the district’s middle‑school band roster of about 120 students and estimated an approximate per‑student overnight cost of about $92 (four students per hotel room) including water-park access. "It's a great experience, and it's great memory for these kids as well," the band teacher said.

A SkillsUSA adviser requested permission to send student Jackson Blazer to SkillsUSA’s national activities in Atlanta in June. The adviser outlined travel logistics (direct Delta flights, group hotel arrangements at a Hilton Garden Inn), industry partner exhibits and adviser workshops, and estimated the trip’s total cost at roughly $4,000 per student, excluding meals; the adviser said some local sponsorships may offset expenses.

Both requests were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote with no roll‑call tallies recorded in the transcript. Board members praised the educational and career benefits of the trips and encouraged fundraising and sponsorship options to reduce family costs.

What’s next: travel approvals were granted as presented; staff will finalize logistics and notify families of costs and fundraising options.