MORRISTOWN – In roughly one month’s time, juniors and their parents at Morristown Central School raised enough money to have a prom on May 11, even though the school won’t be involved due to budget cuts.

“I think they’re doing really well,” said Mary M. Paquette, one of the parents organizing the event.

The prom will be held at the Morristown Fire Hall and will be run by parents and students who want to see the event continue.

At Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent David J. Glover said the students “are set. They are doing good work.”

So far students have raised $1,988.

“All they really have to do is buy the decorations,” Mrs. Paquette said. “I think close to $2,000 is a lot of money for the kids, and they need to learn how to budget the money.”

Juniors came close to not having a prom. While the students have raised roughly $5,000 for their class, it can’t be accessed without a class advisor. The class of 2014 will have a senior class advisor, but the district cut the junior class advisor in an effort to save $800 last year, leaving the $5,000 account untouchable until next year.

“To me it’s money in the bank,” Mrs. Paquette said. “They have enough money raised for their prom right now.”

Board member Mary Anne Bailey said the decision to cut the junior class advisor was irresponsible.

“What we’ve done to these kids is wrong just to save $800,” she said, arguing that the students should have access to the $5,000 they raised whenever they want to.

But board member James Michaels said the experience may be a positive thing for the students.

“Not every school has their prom,” Mr. Michaels said.

Mr. Michaels also felt that the budget cuts are teaching students that “there are stumbling blocks in life.”

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