Board approves marching-band trip to Ohio State; trustees to cover $4,324 to lower family costs

The Centennial School District Board of School Directors voted 8–0 on June 9 to approve a marching-band trip for 60 students and 14 chaperones to the Buckeye Invitational at Ohio State University, Oct. 2–4, 2026, and authorized a district contribution not to exceed $4,324 to reduce the cost to families.

Band director Mr. Seifert explained that marching-band participation requires every member to be present for the show and that the district wanted to keep family costs affordable; the plan aims for roughly $350 per family after the district contribution. Seifert outlined prior experience taking the band on comparable overnight trips and said previous trips had strong participation when costs were kept low.

Trustees questioned transportation logistics and driver compensation. A district representative said transportation had quoted $12,000 for the vehicles needed and that the district would cover driver hotel rooms and other operating costs within the quoted amount; trustees asked for follow-up on how drivers would be compensated for overnight time and contingency plans for mechanical issues on a long drive. "The number one thing for that is affordability for the students going on the trip," Seifert said, noting a $12,000 transportation quote and a $25,324 total trip cost in the packet.

After questions from trustees about historical practice and the feasibility of using district buses versus private carriers, the board approved the request with the stated district contribution and asked staff to provide additional detail about driver compensation and transportation contingencies before departure.

The board recorded the vote as 8 in favor, none opposed.