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District to propose three-tier facility-use fee schedule; board seeks carve-outs for civic associations
Summary
A maintenance committee presentation proposed new facility-use fees grouped into three categories (school-based, nonprofit, for-profit). Board members raised concerns about civic associations that may not be registered nonprofits; the final fee schedule will return for approval next month.
Brandywine School District officials presented proposed changes to the district—s facilities-and-fields use policy that would introduce three user categories and updated fees intended to reflect custodial, HVAC and maintenance costs.
Under the draft policy, Category 1 would be school-based groups (teams, clubs, performing arts) and would continue to use facilities without paying fees. Category 2 would cover nonprofit organizations that primarily serve Brandywine residents; they would be charged for direct costs the district incurs but would not pay for custodial or HVAC services during normal operating hours. Category 3 would apply to for-profit organizations, which would pay all fees.
Maintenance advisory committee members said the proposed fee increases are intended to align Brandywine with surrounding districts and to offset rising custodial, HVAC, pool-chemical and field-maintenance costs. Doctor Rivera presented the draft language and fee calculations at the committee meeting, and committee members praised the conceptual work and schematics shown for upcoming facilities projects.
Board members asked administration to make sure small civic associations——or example, neighborhood organizations that meet occasionally in a school library—are not unintentionally pushed into Category 3 if they lack 501(c)(3) paperwork. The district said the draft would include mechanisms to treat such local civic associations as Category 2 when meetings occur during normal operating hours and when no additional district costs would be incurred.
The board did not vote on the policy Monday; administration will return with a finalized draft for board approval next month. During the discussion, committee and board members emphasized the need for clear definitions and public outreach before the policy is finalized.
