Members of the curriculum committee were asked to consider the German-American Partnership Program after a presentation Sept. 23 by high school German teacher Krista (Frau) Spradlin.

GAPP is a non-profit high school exchange program between schools in Germany and the United States, sponsored by the German Foreign Office and the United States Department of State. Since its inception in 1972, more than 300,000 students have participated in the program.

Spradlin said participants would be Salisbury High School juniors and seniors with German language proficiency who would travel to Germany to live with a host family beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. Students would attend school in Germany for 10 days and spend time with the host family experiencing both academic and recreational activities during the summer. The trip would be approximately 16 days. The German student would then travel to Salisbury and live with the student's family for the same amount of time during the school year, usually around the Easter holiday.

Because the exchange is sponsored by the German and American governments, the cost is estimated to be approximately $2,000 for each student which would include their airfare, travel expenses and spending money. Spradlin said fundraisers could be offered to ease the burden on the families.

Participating students are required to develop a presentation, on a cultural topic of their choice, to share with classes at the host school.

Spradlin estimates 10 students would be involved accompanied by one chaperone– the cost of the chaperone covered by GAPP.

The high school would also play an active role in hosting the German students and their chaperones including incorporating the students in classes and extracurricular activities. The school would also invite the German students to share their presentations at the elementary and middle school levels.

School board Director Sam DeFrank, although supportive of the program, said he would like to have a clear understanding of the cost to the district if the exchange were to be approved.

Both Spradlin and SHS Principal Heather Morningstar said the cost to the district would be minimal - mostly the cost of a substitute teacher while Spradlin attends a one day training, but will provide the final numbers to Superintendent Michael Roth for distribution to the board members.

In other news, Morningstar provided the school board members with data on graduating students. In 2011, 54 percent of graduates chose to attend colleges and universities within Pennsylvania, 10 percent chose a college outside of Pennsylvania, 20 percent chose community college, one percent chose a technical or trade school, 11 percent chose to enter the work force and four percent chose to enter the military.

In 2012, 39 percent of graduates chose to attend colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, 10 percent chose to attend a college outside of Pennsylvania, 41 percent chose community college, one percent chose a technical or trade school, eight percent chose to enter the work force and one percent were undecided.

"We have kids who leave high school with a direction," Morningstar said. "They have a plan." She said very few enter the military and the work force.

Morningstar also said the college visits to SHS are very popular with the juniors and seniors.

Board members received a list of SHS graduates attend. Data is compiled when graduating students meet with their counselors and provide copies of acceptance letters.