Rialto Unified approves Footsteps to Freedom trip for 27 staff at up to $178,122

The Rialto Unified School District board on Tuesday approved a renewal agreement to send 27 employees to the Footsteps to Freedom professional‑learning tour, an eight‑day itinerary that retraces routes of the Underground Railroad and includes site visits in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, New York and Ontario, Canada. The trip is scheduled for July 7–14, 2026, at a cost not to exceed $178,122; the agenda packet lists the funding source only as “title” (not specified).

Supporters said the trip builds historical empathy and helps educators embed inclusive curriculum. Dr. Black, who presented the item, said the program “fosters equitable and transformative change” and that participants will use the experience to strengthen ethnic‑studies content, AP African American studies and family‑engagement work across the district.

Board members required context for how participants were chosen and how the learning would be shared. Superintendent or staff told trustees that district staff analyzed African‑American student data and identified seven school sites from which 3–4 participants per site were selected, along with district administrators; those who attend are expected to present their learning to other teachers and administrators after the trip.

Some trustees questioned whether the district’s investment in staff travel could be balanced against student opportunities. Dr. Lewis observed, “With 27, you know, that was like a lot of employees — I’m thinking about how many more students that could go.” Supporters said the primary goal is to build teacher capacity to change instruction and improve outcomes at scale rather than offer a one‑time student trip.

The motion to approve the item carried unanimously. The board recorded aye votes from board members Dominguez, Williams, Lewis and Vice President Edgar Montes. The agenda described the selection process and post‑trip expectations, and staff said the participants will develop materials and professional‑learning sessions for colleagues.

The board packet did not specify the full Title funding source or whether any student seats are reserved for a parallel student program. The next step after approval is the logistical coordination of the travel and a schedule for post‑trip presentations to sites and district leadership.