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Board narrows charges for school facility use; principals can waive rent but utilities remain chargeable under state rule
Summary
The committee updated Policy KF to clarify which groups rent district facilities, when utilities and custodial costs apply, and when principals may waive rent; the policy passed unanimously and staff will supply a fee schedule.
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board policy committee revised Policy KF (use of school facilities) to clarify when outside groups must pay utilities and custodial costs and when school-affiliated organizations are exempt.
Mr. McNeely explained the change responds to a previous incident and seeks to align board policy with state requirements on charging utilities. The revision specifies that groups affiliated with a school (for example, booster clubs or PTAs whose funds deposit into school activity accounts or who sign a cooperative endeavor agreement) are not required to pay utilities; non-school third parties must pay utilities, though principals may waive rental fees. The cooperative endeavor agreement requirement documents that the group benefits the school system and is not an independent nonprofit for purposes of the exemption.
Several board members asked how utility amounts are calculated; Mr. McNeely said the district’s use-of-facilities form lists hourly or per-event utility charges and that staff will provide the board with the fee schedule. Members discussed whether the board could discount rates for community youth leagues; staff and one board member noted state constitutional limitations and state law may constrain the district’s ability to waive utility charges for outside groups, though the board can set rental rates.
The committee approved the KF revisions unanimously and directed staff to circulate the use-of-facility form and the proposed rates for board review. Members agreed to consider fees at the next agenda so the board formally sets the rates.
