By Mike Schnitzel
The Central High School District Board of Education had proposed moving prom night for all three high schools to the day before graduation, to the dismay of many parents and students. The board's decision to delay action on the matter at Tuesday night's regular meeting means that there can be no change in the prom schedule until June 2008 at the earliest. Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein announced the board's decision to applause from many in the audience.
Bernstein recommended further discussion with faculty, students and parents at each of the three high schools before any definitive action is taken regarding prom scheduling. He also asked the high school principals to meet with their PTAs and inform the board of their feedback.
Bernstein said that the board would consider moving graduation to a Sunday, which is common at schools across Long Island and would give students a respite between prom night and graduation. Graduation has traditionally been held on Fridays at all three of the high schools. "[The Board of Education] is going to look into moving high school graduation to Sunday, and we should explore that before we consider changing the prom date," said Bernstein.
Several people in the audience suggested holding the prom in May, including district parent Arlene Herman. Another audience member said that a May date was optimal because it would fall between college acceptances and final exams.
Neil Chang Jr., a Central 10th-grader, said that he and many of his friends feel that holding the prom the day before graduation would take away from the experience, and asked the board to consider holding it during the second week of June if a change had to be made. Chang said this date would be more acceptable to students because it would be after final classes and the week before exams. He asked members of the board, "If Valley Stream is as unique as you say, why are you changing one of our district's traditions?"
The idea of moving the prom arose as part of an effort to curtail student underage drinking, since graduates are required to attend a breakfast and rehearsal the morning of graduation. The change would also make unsupervised weekend getaways for prom-goers impossible if they wanted to attend graduation. While the issue was not raised in response to any specific incidents from past proms, the board felt a need to take a proactive stance, because there is a perceived safety concern, according to Board President Dr. Frank Chiachiere.
At least two trustees felt that the board should not be involved in declaring a mandatory prom date. Andrew Walters and Dr. Maria Fletcher felt that it was the job of parents, not the board, to supervise their children. "I don't feel this is a proper area for the board to enter into," said Walters at the board's committee meeting April 5. "The prom date should be left alone."
Nicole Falco contributed to this story. Comments about it? MSchnitzel@liherald.com or (516)569-4000 ext. 265.
