by Paula Peterson,

asst. to editor

The regular meeting of the Altus School Board was reconvened from the meeting held on Monday, Dec. 14, to Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. in the Board conference room at the Administration Center.

This meeting continued item 16, a proposal to hold the 2010 Altus High School Prom and Banquet at the Quartz Mountain Resort Lodge. Principal Dr. Mark Haught, polled the junior and senior students to see which location they preferred, the high school cafeteria, or the lodge. The vote was 335 for the lodge, and 100 for the high school cafeteria.

Based on those results, the board unanimously approved the lodge location. Keith Phillips reminded all parents that school liability will begin when students enter the banquet and will end when they leave the lodge. He also said he hopes everyone will have a safe, enjoyable evening.

In the Dec. 14 meeting, some reasons were discussed for this change to the lodge. The parents at the meeting said they thought it would cut down on the decorating efforts and expenses to have the event at the lodge. They also mentioned how students usually go home after the banquet at the high school and change into different clothes, necessitating two complete outfits. Having the banquet and prom at the lodge would eliminate students leaving to change, and thereby the expenses involved in the second outfits. Also implied when students come and go, is the risk that some students may consume intoxicating substances while off campus between events and be driving back to the prom. Transportation by school bus was also mentioned at this first meeting, but no decision has been made on the matter.

On Dec. 14, Col. Noel Zamot mentioned encouraging student participation in a risk-management plan for the prom. Not only would such a process be educational, but empowering, helping reduce risks associated with the event. One would assume that the risk-management plan would address students not leaving the prom and coming back, and bus availability.

According to Quartz Mountain Resort Marketing Director, Amber Scism, the lodge has not hosted a prom for quite a number of years. They are excited about the prospect of having at least 2 proms this next spring. Altus High's prom is set for Saturday, April 24 and Lone Wolf's prom is scheduled Saturday, May 1. Mangum High has inquired as to lodge availability, but has not committed to their reservation yet.

Scism wanted to encourage parents by letting them know that the lodge will have four private security officers for each of the proms, in addition to the park rangers who will be on duty. She said the lodge would also be contacting both Greer County and Jackson County Sheriff's Offices to inquire as to their availability for both dates. She also said the lodge will be running with a full and complete staff to give these students a wonderful and safe prom experience.