Springfield City School Committee approves High School of Commerce JROTC overnight trip to Fort Devens

The Springfield City School Committee voted to approve an overnight field trip request from the High School of Commerce JROTC to a leadership challenge at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, scheduled to leave June 15, 2026, and return June 19, 2026. The committee approved the request by roll-call vote during a brief meeting that immediately preceded the school’s graduation activities.

Superintendent Dr. Dol told the committee the trip is a longstanding leadership event for the program and urged approval, saying the opportunity supports team building and the students’ interest in JROTC. "This is a longstanding trip that the students of commerce have enjoyed," Dr. Dol said, adding the experience advances students’ leadership skills and vocational interests.

The motion to approve the trip was recorded as moved by Miss Herser and seconded by Miss Gresian. The clerk called the roll: Miss Valentine — yes; Miss Crawford — absent; Miss Hurst — yes; Mr. Gomez — yes; Miss Gresham — yes; Miss Maron — absent; Mayor Sarno — yes. The motion passed.

The record lists James Lado as present and identified as the JROTC commander, Principal Dena Cooper as present, and Michael Calvin as overseeing a transition of certain schools; none of those attendees were recorded as opposing the motion. The committee took no additional public comment, and the meeting concluded after the vote.

Logistical specifics that were not recorded in the meeting transcript include estimated cost per student, number of chaperones, and transportation provider; those details were not specified in the discussion or motion on the record. The committee adjourned following the vote.