Local Cornish society urges board to reauthorize student exchange with Cornwall

Glen Rittenauer, identifying himself as a representative of the Southwest Wisconsin Cornish Society, told the Mineral Point Unified School District board that a student exchange with Cornwall, England, has been a recurring community program since 1999 and that organizers plan to resume visits in 2027.

"I'm Glen Rittenauer, and I'm here representing the Southwest Wisconsin Cornish Society," Rittenauer said, describing how volunteers and school staff previously hosted exchange students and how the twinning relationship with Redruth began in the 1990s. He said the program has involved more than 100 families over the years and led to community events that showcased students' experiences.

A long‑time volunteer who addressed the board during public comment outlined the exchange’s curriculum and selection process, saying the program meets monthly from September through January to prepare participating students. The volunteer described site visits in Cornwall (including museums, mines and heritage sites), a two‑week stay with host families and additional London travel, and said organizers expect to limit participation to about 6–12 students plus two adults.

Board members asked procedural questions about timing and whether the item would return to the June agenda. The public commenters asked the board to place a reauthorization or formal approval on the June agenda so the group can proceed with planning and selection. The board agreed to bring a related action item back at the June meeting.

The exchange organizers emphasized that travel dates are tentative and depend on airline pricing and school calendars; they said March 2027 (roughly the two weeks before Easter) is under consideration but that dates could shift to reduce costs. The public comment concluded with the board accepting the request to schedule the formal action item for June.

The board did not take a vote on the program during the May meeting; it agreed to add an item to the June agenda so trustees can consider formal authorization and any required administrative approvals.