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MES PTA raises questions about Snowflake Ball; superintendent says district will provide event this year
Summary
Eric Simmons, vice president of the MES PTA, told the Marlboro Central School District board that elementary families want clarity about who organizes the Snowflake Ball and where the $20 admission goes.
Eric Simmons, vice president of the MES PTA and president of the middle school PTA, told the Marlboro Central School District board on Jan. 16 that elementary families have asked why a Snowflake Ball for kindergartners through fifth graders is organized by high-school clubs and what happens to the $20 admission.
"Many families in the MES community think that the MES PTA runs the Snowflake Ball," Simmons said. "When they find out we have nothing to do with it, a lot of parents are questioning, why not?" He asked who is in charge, where the money is going, and whether it is appropriate for high-school fundraisers to use elementary students.
Superintendent Mike Bridal said administrators were notified that a flyer and social-media posts raised concerns and that an administrative team decided to provide the dance this year rather than let it be canceled. Bridal said the district did not change the $20 admission and that adults are organizing the event so it can proceed: "We cannot allow this dance to be canceled. We will provide it this year, and then we'll figure it out for next year as far as who's overseeing it." He also said the flyer and messaging were adjusted to invite “every single student at MES as well as our pre k programs” and to permit each child to attend with the adult of their choosing.
Why it matters: MES families asked whether proceeds benefit the elementary PTA, whether the event is inclusive, and who sets the event’s policies. Simmons said parents expected PTA oversight and raised concerns about transparency and perceived exclusion. Bridal told the board administrators are discussing how funds will be handled and invited the MES PTA to meet with district staff.
Board members and the superintendent described the decision as a team effort involving administrators, teachers and student organizations and said the district will discuss longer-term oversight for future years. One board member noted the event has historically helped high-school fundraising for senior activities such as a Disney trip.
The board took no formal action at the meeting. Bridal said he accepts responsibility for messaging and is open to suggestions from the MES PTA about administration and use of funds.
Simmons concluded his comment: "All I'm asking for is the district look into what the PTA's groups and what they can do the following year."
