Adam DeVault, a high school band director and Derby resident, told the board the facility-use policy change being considered would levy a suggested $20 per-hour fee on staff who use classrooms to teach private, compensated lessons after the school day. He said the fee would take nearly half of what teachers currently earn and could force programs to pass costs to families or end private lessons, which many students rely on to reach district and state honor ensembles.
DeVault told the board private lessons provide convenience, consistent instruction tied to the school program and lower cost for families because district teachers do not have to pay facility rent. “The suggested fee that I have seen is $20 per hour for the use of a classroom. That's close to 50% of what we make for teaching the lessons,” he said.
Burke Jones, the district’s director of operations and chair of the committee that drafted the policy, told board members the committee’s goal was consistency across buildings and manageable rules that do not require numerous exceptions. Jones said the committee included principals, athletic staff, coaches and three board members and that it recommended fees in part so the district does not become a “free storefront” for outside enterprises that profit from use of facilities.
Board members raised several concerns in discussion. Several asked that the committee be reconvened with broader representation, including music instructors, coaches and teachers who offer private lessons or tutoring. Board member Melanie said many music students rely on private lessons to qualify for honor groups and urged an exception or different treatment for instruction that supports academics and student achievement. Board member Mark suggested an overall exception for academically linked instruction.
Members also discussed janitorial charges, scheduling and the need for a central calendar showing when individual rooms are reserved to prevent conflicts with maintenance and custodial work. The board agreed to expand committee input and review the policy as a whole rather than approve the current draft.
The board did not vote to adopt the facility-use regulations on Aug. 18; the board’s chair and operations director said the policy would be sent back to committee for further consideration and expanded representation before returning for action.