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Board approves Mooresville High School trip to Costa Rica after student testimonials and fundraising questions
Summary
The board approved a proposed Mooresville High School trip to Costa Rica in March 2028 for about 30 students at an estimated cost of $3,989 per student. Students who previously traveled gave on-stage testimonials; board members asked about fundraising, payment plans and access for families.
The Mooresville Graded School District Board of Education on April 7 approved a Mooresville High School request to travel to Costa Rica during spring break in 2028.
Staff presented a proposed itinerary for March 2–11, 2028 facilitated by EF Educational Tours. The trip was described as involving approximately 30 students at an estimated cost of $3,989 per student. Student speakers who had participated in a previous trip, including Joshua Hall and Leila Williams, described cultural experiences, outdoor activities and academic benefits. Joshua Hall said the trip helped him "try activities like ziplining and rafting and experiencing a different culture," and Leila Williams said the trip felt "like a week long adventure" and helped her learn about agriculture and language.
Board members asked detailed questions about accessibility and fundraising. A presenter explained EF's payment-plan options, a fundraising platform that functions like a direct-donation tool, an annual scholarship students may apply for, and local fundraising events (including restaurant nights) that have previously raised funds for participants. Several board members and community members urged early sign-up to benefit from low monthly payments and encouraged broad fundraising efforts to reduce financial barriers for students. After discussion, the board moved and approved the field trip request.
The board's approval authorizes staff to proceed with trip planning and fundraising outreach; organizers said additional chaperones will be added to maintain the stated 1:8 adult-to-student ratio and that some fundraising tools will be available to students and families.
