RANGELEY – Regional School Unit 78 directors have unanimously approved a 10­-day trip to Costa Rica for 10 to 12 students of the Spanish 3 and 4 classes.

Rangeley Lakes Regional School teacher Kate Philbrick said the trip is scheduled for April 14 to 23, 2016. The cost per student will be $2,637, and she requested the board’s approval a year ahead so students can raise the money.

The purpose of the trip is to learn the language, improve cultural awareness, build confidence and experience diversity, she said.

The trip will be managed by the Boston­-based firm Explorica, and will include travel to Poás Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, the Santa Elena Biological Preserve, a tour of the jungle canopy, and a river rafting excursion. Explorica has offices in Costa Rica and a 24­-hour hotline for safety concerns, Philbrick said.

In other business:

* Elementary teachers Alison Loud and Allison Miles were approved for first­-year continuing contracts. High school math teacher Heather Moody and physical education teacher Danielle Ellis were approved for third­-year probationary contracts.

* Superintendent Susan Pratt read second-grade teacher Priscilla St. Louis’ letter of resignation. She is retiring at the end of the school year after 43 years. The board accepted the resignation with regret.

* Pratt said the fifth-grade Odyssey of the Mind team took first place in the local competition and will go to the regionals in Sanford on Saturday, March 28.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international education program that provides creative problem­-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Problems range from building mechanical devices to presenting interpretations of literary classics. The team is supported by the PTA and the local Rotary Club.

* The school’s Winter Carnival is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at Saddleback. The rain date is April 3.

* Two bids for wood pellets for the school’s boiler were opened last week, with the low bid from Geneva Wood in Strong.

* The PTA is sponsoring bowling and a silent auction at 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Moose Alley.

* Pratt reported that sophomore Owen Sinclair participated in the New England Music Festival in Keene, N.H., last week.

* Principal and Athletic Director Charles Brown said the winter sports banquet was held this week at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. The varsity baseball and softball teams have kicked off their season, he said.

* Student representative Jake Farmer said the Student Council voted to hold the prom May 23 at Saddleback. The junior class will produce it.

* The Facilities Committee will hold a public meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the school to talk with architects and to present two school renovation plans.

* The Technology Committee is planning a Technology Awareness Fair and is scouting for items to be given as prizes.