Budget Woes Could Jeopardize After-Prom Parties

For the past two years, high school PTAs have received funding from Howard County to help cover the cost of after-prom parties–chaperoned events that give high school juniors and seniors a safe place to have fun after the official party is over.

Money has not yet been guaranteed for this year’s events, said Howard County PTA Council chair Lin Guba.

“We’ve also noticed a trend over the last few years where it’s harder and harder to fundraise,” she said.

The event, however, is still needed, she said.

“It's not like the event has gotten smaller. It’s not like the kids do not need something to do after prom,” she said.

Last year, about 4,500 students attended after-prom activities sponsored by their high schools' PTA or PTSA. The separate events have been at movie theaters, local YMCAs, Brunswick Bowl and other community spots.

“If the money doesn’t come through, there are some schools that are going to have to cut something somewhere,” Guba said, “Because they budgeted for it. I don’t think anybody is not going to have an event, but it just won’t be the event they wanted it to be.”

For the past two years, after prom events have received funding from the county’s drug forfeiture fund – assets, including cash, confiscated from those who have broken drug laws.

That money is designated for certain drug enforcement and education-related activities including “programs related to drug prevention, treatment or education including, without limitation, events that provide educational or supervised activities for teenagers.”

Schools have received $2,000 per year over the past two years to sponsor after prom events that encourage students to keep the party going in a responsible way. The money has covered expenses ranging from facilities rentals to food and prizes that are offered during the parties.

“We’re helping to educate kids about better things to do after prom other than drinking,” Guba said. “We educate by example.”

Ian Kennedy, deputy chief of staff at the county executive’s office, said that no decision has yet been made regarding money for after prom events. 

“Because of the remaining uncertainty surrounding next year's budget, we have not yet made a decision about continuing the after prom grants this year,” Kennedy said in an email.

County Executive that the governor's proposal to shift part of the cost of teacher pensions to the counties would be "devistating" to local budgets. 

In the meantime, Guba continues to look to families and local businesses for donations.

“We’re appealing to Howard County as a community,” she said. Businesses have donated gifts for raffles – ski passes, event tickets – and given or discounted food.

“We’ve got some great support,” Guba said, “but I know there’s more out there.”

Seeing hundreds of teenagers partying with parent chaperones until 5 a.m. with no alcohol, no drugs, “It’s an amazing thing to see,” Guba said. 

“I know what I did on my prom night,” she added, laughing.  “And I don’t want my kids doing that.”