EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The East Brunswick school district is relocating its high school graduation ceremony from CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton to Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, the district's board of education announced.
Board member Laurie Herrick, said the move follows discussions about the cost and distance of holding the ceremony in Trenton. Superintendent Evelyn Mamman said the district worked with the high school team, along with staff members, to identify funding sources that made the switch possible.
Cost was a central factor in the decision. Mamman noted the board had previously discussed a $40,000 expense tied to busing students and families to the Trenton venue. CURE Arena is also set to begin charging for parking next year, Mamman said, as the venue prepares for a new hockey team and related renovations.
"The Cure Arena is going to be charging for parking next year. They have a new hockey team going [there]... so the price was going to go up anyway," Mamman said.
As part of the change, the district will also adjust its academic calendar. Graduation, previously scheduled for June 18, will now take place June 17, according to Mamman. The last day of school will remain June 18, meaning students will return that day to pick up their diplomas rather than receive them during the ceremony.
"If the last day remains June 18, kids have to come back and get their diploma. We're not doing a live diploma. That way they come back June 18, get your diploma and [then] leave," Mamman said
Board members also addressed the venue's history. BOE member Wilbur Pan asked a question about why the district had been holding graduation at CURE Arena, when the ceremony was originally held at Rutgers' Rutgers Athletic Center, known as "The RAC," before moving to CURE Arena. Boe President Marianne Tanious said the RAC originally lacked air conditioning, which factored into the earlier venue change; the arena has since been renovated and renamed Jersey Mike's Arena.
Board members also confirmed that ticket allocation for families will not change under the new venue. The seating capacity at Jersey Mike's Arena is comparable to the district's previous venue, so no additional ticket restrictions are expected.
The board approved the venue change by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes.
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