Hahn PTA Party Strikes Controversy Amongst Parents, Teachers, Local Media

Some parents and teachers are outraged that the Marguerite Hahn Elementary Parent Teachers Association last night paid $2,500 to hire local band Wonderbread 5 to play at the school's end-of-the-year party, the Press Democrat is reporting today.

Two postings on a called Our Schools+Our Community+Our Kids=Our Future, which has become a online place for often heated community dialogue about area K-12 schools, has generated 40-plus comments from teachers and parents on what some are calling an extravagant party.

The event is two-fold — it's the end of the school year party but also a going away celebration for Nancy Adams, Hahn's office manager, who is retiring after 25 years, the article stated. The total cost for the party was about $4,500 reportedly, which paid for the band, a clown, a jump house and other entertainment. 

Press Democrat writer Joelle Burnette started the story by asking readers a question.

"Is paying $2,500 too much for an elementary school PTA to hire a band for an end-of-the-year party while local schools are suffering and teachers are battling to hang on to resources in their classrooms?" the reporter asked.

Burnette also quoted an email from Hahn PTA President Mindy Beasley, where she said that "... families that are struggling in this poor economy will be able to come out and enjoy a wonderful evening, with dancing, music, Jubliee Jumps, face painting … all for free ... what a wonderful thing during these hard times.”

One Facebook commenter said "Thank you Hahn PTA for one of the most fun nights. What a great ending to celebrate a district employee who has been the heart and soul of Hahn for over 20 years of dedicated service. I've never seen a bigger turnout at that school for any event in the 12 years we have had kids attending there. It was so nice to disconnect from the idle gossip and second guessing of adults in our community. My husband and I don't get out much and this safe family oriented event was so appreciated. Thank you Nancy for all your years of service! Thank you Hahn PTA. Great event!"

But others didn't share the celebratory feeling.

Another commenter wrote on the Facebook page that "...there are so many other things that could have been done with the money. Actually my observation was that until the very end most of the children were interested in other things than the band. The fact is it was done in poor taste. It was a mistake. And a mismanagement of our money. It was nothing against the band. They were great. It was the choices that were made."

What do you think? Is it up to the PTA to spend monies as they see fit, or should the PTA have been more frugal considering current economic woes impacting local schools?

Read the story in full from blogger Joelle Burnette by clicking here.