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Students prompt change of Council Rock South prom venue; district to cancel Constitution Center contract and pursue Westin Princeton
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Summary
Students asked the Finance Committee to approve cancelling a contract at the Constitution Center and sign a new contract for the May 21, 2027 South High School senior prom at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village; staff said attendees pay all costs and the Constitution Center deposit will be refunded.
Two student representatives told the Finance Committee they preferred a different prom venue because the Constitution Center’s status as a federal building imposes restrictions that limit music, DJ activities and other senior‑year programming.
District staff told the committee they have a signed three‑year contract with the Constitution Center for the 2027 date but the students selected a new venue and staff have discussed cancellation with the Constitution Center, which will refund any deposit. Anthony Rapp summarized the proposed new contract: the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village for May 21, 2027, at $85 per attendee, $55 per chaperone, and a revenue minimum guarantee of $46,750; projected cost per attendee was given in the presentation materials.
Rapp said the entire prom cost is paid by attendees, with student fundraising helping to offset additional decorations and class needs, and that the district does not plan to subsidize the ticket price. Staff said they have a new contract ready to be executed once administrative steps are complete.
Why it matters: students said the move is about safety, travel convenience and a fuller senior experience; board members asked about deposits, funding for hardship cases and how student fundraisers are used. Staff noted that hardship cases are handled by principals and the district social worker using discretionary funds.
Next steps: staff requested board action to cancel the Constitution Center contract and approve the Westin Princeton agreement; the transcript records the presentation and discussion but no recorded board vote in the committee meeting.
