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Tenakill Science Olympiad headed to nationals; board approves fundraising and initial student subsidy
Summary
After the TMS team won the New Jersey state championship, the Closter Board authorized a fundraising drive and agreed to cover advisors’ travel costs and an initial $600 per student toward an estimated $43,000 trip to the national competition in Nebraska.
Tenakill Middle School’s Science Olympiad team, fresh off a New Jersey state championship, will represent the district at the national tournament in Lincoln, Nebraska, after the Closter Board of Education authorized fundraising and committed initial district support.
Superintendent Vincent McHale told trustees the team’s trip is estimated to cost about $43,000 to cover travel and related expenses for 23 students and their advisors. "The team is headed to Nebraska for Nationals at the end of May," he said when announcing the invitation and budget estimate.
The board agreed that the district would cover advisors’ expenses and provide $600 per student to start, and asked the family groups and the team to continue fundraising to cover the remaining balance. Business Administrator Floro M. Villanueva, Jr. requested an additional motion to allow the team to begin fundraising immediately; the motion, moved by Ms. Micera and seconded by Ms. Argenziano, passed by unanimous voice vote.
Why it matters: Board financial support reduces the out-of-pocket cost for families and helps ensure the team can attend the national competition. Trustees emphasized a combination of district seed funding and community fundraising rather than full district coverage.
Background/details: The board discussion followed the principals’ reports noting the team defeated the prior regional champions and won the state title. Mr. McHale credited staff advisors and district employees for preparing a budget and recommended the board underwrite advisor travel costs and a $600 per-student contribution. The motion explicitly authorized a fundraising drive for the Science Olympiad team and to begin soliciting donations following the March 19 meeting.
Next steps: The team and parents will continue fundraising; the district’s initial support covers advisors’ travel and $600 per student. The board did not adopt a formal additional appropriation beyond the stated seed support at the meeting; parents and the booster group remain responsible for any balance after fundraising.
