Gateway School District could sponsor an educational trip to Costa Rica next summer.

Board members this week heard a presentation from Shea O’Sullivan of EF Educational Tours about a possible trip in June 2025. High school teacher Lynn Martin reached out to EF Tours.

The tour operator has been in business for nearly 60 years. The company provides all-inclusive trips as well as liability insurance for students, teachers and chaperones.

O’Sullivan said there is no cost to the district. EF Tours can help with fundraisers and offers “early enrollment” discounts.

About 60% of Pennsylvania school-related trips are sponsored by districts, she said. Franklin Regional, Pittsburgh Allderdice, East Allegheny, Woodland Hills and Penn-Trafford school districts have all have utilized ER Tours.

If school sponsored, Martin could communicate with parents via Gateway’s email and host meetings at the school building.

Donations

Business Director Mike Zourelias said the following donations were received:

• Freddie Jones, owner of Jones Gym, donated backpacks and school supplies to Cleveland Steward Jr. Elementary.

• Allegheny County Chorus Concert donated $863 to the backpack program, which supports students district wide.

Upcoming votes

The board will vote to approve to bid the elevator project for University Park Elementary at their meeting next week. They also will vote to approve the purchase of a Kubota tractor with a broom and mowing deck for $44,279.60.

Zourelias said the tractor, which is intended for use at the middle school, will clean the sidewalks. Superintendent Guy Rossi indicated the district is responsible for keeping the sidewalks clean.

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