Board approves Close‑Up DC trip for up to four Dufur students; grant covers most costs

The Dufur School District 29 board voted to approve a Close‑Up Washington DC trip for Native students, authorizing up to four students to attend the program focused on civic learning and leadership.

Jonathan Foss, introduced earlier by the chair as the presenter, described Close‑Up’s programming and the Native‑focused strand that brings congressional staff and native leaders to meet with students. Foss said the trip is largely grant‑funded: “So everything is covered except their individual souvenir types expenditure that they might want to get,” he said, adding that meals, local transportation and baggage are paid and that a community health project grant underwrote this trip.

Board members clarified eligibility and deadlines (students in grades 9–12; application is a 300‑word essay due next Friday). Members discussed academic accommodations for missed school days and asked staff to share application materials; one board member asked that returning students present their learnings to the board. A motion to approve the trip as presented passed by voice vote.