PROTECT OUR STUDENTS: SIGN THIS PETITION TO SUPPORT SAFER JUNIOR & SENIOR UPPER DUBLIN PROMS

For years, Upper Dublin parents have raised serious concerns about the planning of the Junior and Senior Proms—concerns about student safety, venue selection, policy violations, and a lack of transparency. Despite repeated outreach, these issues remain unresolved. We are now calling on the District to take immediate action. 

For your reference:

• Current Senior Prom Venue: Hilton Hotel Philadelphia, City Line Avenue
• Current Junior Prom Venue: Bensalem Radisson Hotel

WHY WE ARE CONCERNED:

1. Safety Risks at the Selected Venues
Parents have identified significant safety issues with the current prom locations, including:

• Late-night travel on dangerous and unfamiliar routes (including Lincoln Drive)
• Long distances from Upper Dublin
• Venues located in high-crime areas
• Events held alongside other gatherings serving alcohol
• Access to many hotel & other event guests without UD Clearances
• Parking garages far from the event space
• Higher costs than safer, closer alternatives
• Senior Prom being scheduled on Mother’s Day weekend, conflicting with AP exams and college graduations

Crime data shows that these sites have considerably higher rates of violent and/or property crime than surrounding suburban options such as Ambler. In some cases, serious incidents have occurred directly adjacent to the chosen venue as recently as last month.

2. Lack of Transparency and Misrepresentation of Input
Parents report repeated instances in which input has been disregarded, the status or terms of contracts misrepresented, and meetings inaccurately described. Claims have been made that students, staff, or committees participated in viewing and approving venues when no such involvement occurred. Contracts have been signed immediately before scheduled parent meetings, effectively removing families from the process. This has significantly impaired the Parent–Teacher partnership that is essential to safe, successful school events.

3. Contracting Practices That Violate District Procedures
Under the current Activities/Prom leadership, venue agreements have been executed without the required approval from the Superintendent or School Board. In some cases, teachers were asked to sign contracts, placing both the district and its employees at legal and financial risk. These actions conflict with district procedures governing contracts, bidding, and authorized signatories and must be formally reviewed.

4. Ignoring Prior Administrative Guidance & Parent Expertise
The previous Superintendent explicitly recommended changing prom venues and dates due to safety and accessibility concerns. Hundreds of parents—including professionals in event planning, logistics, risk management, and contract negotiation—have volunteered time, data, and expertise. Their contributions have been dismissed or ignored.

5. Safer, More Affordable Venues Are Available Right Now
The Parent Prom Advocacy Group has conducted extensive research and placed soft holds on multiple local venues that:

• Meet all safety requirements
• Are significantly closer to Upper Dublin
• Are more affordable
• Would host Upper Dublin as the only event that night
• Do not provide access to alcohol
• Regularly host proms for neighboring districts like Wissahickon and Hatboro Horsham

These options are available for this year and next year, but holds are temporary and require prompt action.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR:

We respectfully call on the Upper Dublin School District to:

• Conduct an immediate review of the prom planning process and compliance with district policies.
• Rescind and reevaluate ALL current Junior & Senior prom venue contracts.
• Pause ALL further actions related to prom planning—including student communications or additional contract revisions—until parents have been consulted.
• Meet promptly with parent representatives to review safety data, contract concerns, and alternative venues.
• Commit to a transparent, policy-compliant, and collaborative planning process that prioritizes student safety and well-being in accordance with Policy 121 and Administrative Regulation 231.

Our Goal
We want a safe, enjoyable prom—on an appropriate date—at a venue that protects our students. We have solutions ready. We have data. We have safer options. We simply need the District to act.
 
SIGN THIS PETITION
Help us urge the Upper Dublin School District to prioritize student safety, transparency, and proper oversight to ensure that this year’s, next year’s and all future proms are planned responsibly and in the best interest of our STUDENTS and their SAFETY.