School Board Approves $5,100 for Prom Bus

The school board approved a resolution to spend $5,112 on a bus to prom, with no cost to the students, on Tuesday night.

"It's a regular practice in Hudson County," said Ruth McAllister, one of the school board members. Because a high number of students in the district are on free and reduced lunch, they don't have cars, McAllister said. A bus from the school district is the best way to get the students back to Hoboken safely, she said.

A district-sponsored bus is also supposed to prevent drunk driving among the teenagers.

While some members questioned the cost on Tuesday and some parents asked why there is no busing of students in the district, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback explained that busing students inside Hoboken can't be done because of legal reasons.

The district can't just bus a group of students, it would be responsble for all students in the district, including the charter and private schools.

"I think it's the only way to be in control (of the event) and make sure nothing happens to our young people," McAllister said.

The Hoboken High School prom is on May 31 at The Manor in West Orange.