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Board hears proposals for Boundary Waters and Native American education overnight trips; Boundary Waters trip will be funded externally
Summary
District coordinators previewed several overnight and out‑of‑state field trips, including two Native American education excursions and a Boundary Waters trip for up to 13 students that staff said will be covered by Friends of the Boundary Waters and Wilderness Inquiry so students pay no cost; the board will seek formal approval on March 24.
Columbia Heights Public Schools staff gave an informational presentation about planned overnight and out‑of‑state field trips for the coming school year at the March 10 board meeting. The presentation covered instructional trips that supplement standards‑aligned teaching, activity overnights and culturally focused experiences.
Coordinator Sarah Matasovic (presenter) and other staff described two Native American education overnight experiences (past trips to Pipestone and the Mankato powwow; a Mille Lacs trip already approved for this year and planned again next spring). Kristen Sidney Carriello, one of the chaperones and program leads, outlined a summer Boundary Waters trip for up to 13 students that staff said is being arranged with Friends of the Boundary Waters and Wilderness Inquiry; Carriello and staff said funding from the nonprofit partners will fully offset student costs, making that particular excursion free for participating students. "The Boundary Waters trip is the costs are all completely offset and covered by the Friends of the Boundary Waters," a staff member stated.
Staff noted the Chicago Arts Experience (approved for February–March 2027) and other instructional trips that have used fundraising, booster support and district funds to minimize family costs. Board members asked clarifying questions about which trips would come back for formal approval and about funding models; staff said specific overnight trip approvals — including the two Native American education trips and the Boundary Waters trip — would be returned for board action on March 24 along with any activity overnights that require approval.
Board members and student representatives described positive student experiences on past trips and staff highlighted fundraising and grant mechanisms that help eliminate cost barriers for families. The board did not vote on these trip approvals at the March 10 meeting; staff will return with formal requests and specific dates.
