3/14/18 BOE Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – During the first public portion three students who were Juniors came up to speak. They requested that the Junior Prom be cancelled. The reasons were that many students didn’t go to the event in the past. They had an online survey supporting this request. Students were willing to do anything else. They felt it would be better to go on a trip or a picnic at Warren or Roosevelt Park. They felt a trip or picnic would be more suitable and easier financially.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated, “Your voices are heard. We will reach out to the entire Junior Class. We will meet with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez (to discuss this).
Board Member Jesus Martinez asked, “What sparked this thought?”
One of the students answered, “It started at the beginning of our Junior year. It’s dumb, because next year we have the Senior Prom.”
Parent Iris Rodriguez came up to speak next. “These are Honor Students. They are part of the Youth Alliance. They were told its tradition. What’s better for them? It’s a hardship for them. It costs $300 for senior photos. Only 40-60 kids go to the Junior Prom. Time to asses and get it according to the needs of the community.
Later, during the second public portion, Resident Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe spoke about the Junior Prom, emphasizing the expenses which the class will have the following year and the additional financial burden to the family that the Junior Prom poses. “I graduated high school in 2016. I did some research about the Junior Class Prom. During the Senior Year in high school, the cost can range from $5,000 – $10,000. These costs include yearbooks which could range from $100-$250; photos which can be $500+; Test Preparation Books which can be up to $400; school ring which can run from $150-$900; College Applications can range from $50-$150; down payment fee; visiting colleges $1,500+; and other expenses. For the prom: boys pay $500. For girls, it’s more expensive. Other expenses for college include a driver’s license and vehicle if you have to commute to college. The total cost is around$48,318. The annual income of the average family in Perth Amboy is approximately $48,053 leaving around $200 spending money. $48,072 is poverty level for a family of 4. Our families are living just at poverty level.”
Board Member Obi Gonzalez was absent from the Meeting.
