Satisfied with students’ response, Cobleskill-Richmondville school board members Monday approved the class of 2013’s prom site next year as the River View Manor in Glenville.
Board members held off approving River Stone two weeks ago, citing concerns about distance and student behavior.
But officers of the class of ’13 returned Monday night to say their classmates are willing to take buses, parent transportation and limousines––no student drivers, in other words––in order to have their prom at River Stone in 2012.
“I’m impressed with what you’ve done and what you did with the survey,” school board President Bruce Tryon told the officers.
“As long as the proper controls are in place, I wouldn’t be against letting you go.”
The survey Mr. Tryon referred to was one officers gave their classmates. The survey asked whether students would rather go to the Holiday Inn Express in Schoharie or go to River Stone, with no student drivers.
Class President Adam Ullman said 73 percent chose River Stone, and not drive themselves.
“I think they were surprised their peers were willing not to drive, said class advisor Terrence Lasher.
The Holiday Inn Express had been an alternate choice, but students two weeks ago raised questions about service there.
Mr. Lasher said Monday that Holiday Inn is addressing those concerns in time for this year’s prom, which will be held there.
As they did two weeks ago, class officers contended that students “wanted to go some place special,” and the overwhelming response to the survey indicated that.
Board members weren’t entirely convinced at first.
Liz Montario asked about the remaining 27 percent of students who apparently still wanted to drive. Also, she asked how class officers were sure students wouldn’t drive no matter how they voted in the poll.
Adam replied that some details still had to be worked out.
Danielle Hay, another class advisor, said the rules would be clear when students bought prom tickets.
Renting limousines and a bus and having parents drive would raise the cost of the prom, Mr. Tryon pointed out.
Aimee Ullman, Adam’s mother and a teacher at Radez School, noted that students have a year to fundraise to offset costs.
In agreeing to River Stone, board members advised the students that they must be responsible.
“We’re trusting you,” Garry Davis told the officers. “There is an expectation, and that’s a challenge you have to take back to your classmates.”