South River HS Principal Cancels PTSO Parking Spot Auction

EDGEWATER, MD — The PTSO at South River High School in Edgewater came under fire on Facebook July 39 after someone complained about the PTSO's practice of auctioning off six premium parking spots at the high school as a fundraiser to help cover a variety of expenses at the school.

Because of the limited number of student parking spaces, not every senior receives a parking pass and parking spaces are assigned on a priority basis then placed in a lottery. Only students who meet certain criteria are eligible to enter the lottery.

Lisa O'Hagan, president of the high school's PTSO, explained on the Facebook thread that there are 205 spaces for 500 seniors. The six spaces are part of a fundraiser that allows the PTSO to support the high school. She explained that last year, the PTSO fulfilled more than $7,000 worth of teacher, student and school requests such as soccer nets, printers and stadium signs that cannot be covered by the school's budget. The PTSO also treats staff and teachers to special gifts, pay insurance, assist with cost of the prom breakfast and other expenses.

"This parking auction helps us raise the difference we need. While I love pizza and cookie dough, I’m done selling it, organizing it and etc. We are a volunteer organization made up of parents, teachers, students and administrators who are dedicated to the successful education of our children. Our goal and purpose is to provide assistance to students and teachers needs. With this in mind, we have six parking spaces to auction off starting at $250. You can 'buy it now' for $1,000. We can’t please everyone and someone will always have a problem, but this auction is to raise money so we are able to give back to the students and teachers," she said.

Lisa Ammann originally posted her concerns about this parking spot auction practice that drew more than 70 comments.

"There is something completely wrong about this. Students whose families do not have a disposable income to 'buy' a premium parking spot are less entitled than their peers? This is county property and the PTSO is profiting off of the county," Ammann posted.

Carmen Skarlupka shared on the Facebook thread that the school principal, assistant regional superintendent and O'Hagan met to discuss teh concerns. The principal decided to cancel the auction, Skarlupka wrote.