Armstrong taxpayers won’t be funding this year’s grad festivities at the local high school. Council has denied a donation request from the grad executive at Pleasant Valley Secondary School.
“Through the budget process, there is an opportunity to apply for grants and we’re trying to make people know that is the time to do it,” said Coun. Shirley Fowler. “When we get requests during the rest of the year, we don’t have the money in the budget for them. Once the budget is set, the budget is set.”
The request from the grad committee was received Jan. 20. And while there won’t be money for grad events, the city insists that it supports the students.
“We do provide two bursaries every year,” said Mayor Chris Pieper.
In a letter to council, the grad executive outlined plans for the dry grad and prom.
“We will be holding draws throughout the evening and we are asking your business to donate a prize towards this endeavor,” the letter states.
“We are looking for monetary donations, gifts and gift certificates. In the past, ideas have included gift cards, GICs, gas cards, restaurant or grocery store gift cards, televisions or other electronics or perhaps a free massage or haircut.”