In a recent survey conducted by USA Today, the average amount spent on prom is $1,139. The survey takes into account not just ticket prices, but all prom related activities including limousine rentals, hair, makeup and dinner, among other expenses. The amount of money being spent has some parents crying foul.

With the class of 2013 prom coming to a close, the younger classes are still hard at work raising money to fund TAP and other senior events. This year, school’s initial prom ticket cost met the national average price at $65, but rose to $75, which doubled  if students invited a date.

“I am a senior class representative, so I helped decorate for prom,” Hannah Bourg said. “They do not tell us the amount we can spend or how much we spend on decorations. We are not allowed to know. All I know is they set aside a certain amount of money for decorations.”

Class sponsor Sylvia Wood provided the following information regarding spending.

• 71 percent of the ticket cost pays for the hotel, food and services.

• 10 percent is for goodie bags, prom favors and royalty.

• 8 percent is for prom decorations.

• 9 percent is for the DJ and other prom entertainment.

• 2 percent is for extra security.

Tigers After Prom, the optional event after the initial dance, hosts a variety of door prizes and giveaways. TAP is funded entirely on donations and money raised by parents over the course of high school. This year, TAP ticket prices started at $65 and then proceeded to increase to $100.

The following statement is from the TAP webpage:

“TAP is financed in several different ways. Ticket sales make up a large portion of the funds and/or contributions of door prizes by merchants and businesses in the community. Special door prizes and a low cost of an admission ticket will be needed as a major incentive for students to attend and stay all night at the event. Approximately 30-35 percent of the required funds are raised via parent volunteers in multiple fundraising events /activities.”

According to Kim Gaspard, a TAP parent volunteer, ticket prices are based upon fundraising and the budget for the after prom event on a year-by-year basis.

“Tickets sales bring in about 50 to 60 percent of the revenue required for the event,” Gaspard said. “Fundraising, donations and parent buyouts make up the rest.”

However, the school’s fundraising differs from that of other schools, such as Klein Oak. Assistant Principal Mandy Land, a former class sponsor during her time at Klein Oak, said that while both schools fundraise, Klein Oak’s is heavily student-based, while Klein Collins is heavily parent based.

At Klein High School, prom tickets cost $40 and after prom tickets cost $10 for students and $40 for guests. The Klein High School administration has yet to comment on the reasoning behind the prices.

Administration at Klein Forest stated that the purchase of a prom ticket is a package deal that includes two T-shirts.

“For $100 students receive a T-shirt along with a prom ticket and entry to the senior picnic,” Associate Principal at Klein Forest Brad Sedlacek said. “Our after prom event is at Dave and Buster’s and tickets for that are $50.”

It is unknown how much future classes will be spending on prom and TAP tickets. Fundraising has already begun for next year’s TAP, with parents holding a raffle for students to pick their parking spot next year. On average, this year’s seniors spend $156.30 on prom tickets, with the highest purchase totalling $330.00.