Board approves phased increase to facilities and theater rental rates

The Jefferson Union High School District board approved updated facilities and theater rental rates and a three‑year phased implementation schedule to better offset rising custodial and repair costs.

Finance staff presented a rate study and recommended gradual increases after a review of neighboring districts. Tina Van Rapporst told trustees the district currently generates about $300,000 annually from facility rentals and that higher rates are necessary to cover increased personnel and repair costs; the board's policy and state education code require districts to offer facility rentals at cost.

The district has hired a rental coordinator, Jamie Triotti, to manage bookings and outreach to renters. Triotti told the board that the theaters — especially Westmore and Terra Nova — have seen community rentals in recent years, including school graduations and outside dance companies. Staff said the implementation would begin Jan. 1 and the district will notify current renters by email and update the facilities web page to allow time for budget adjustments.

Trustees asked about expected revenue increases and frequency of rentals; staff said year‑over‑year revenue increases are not expected to be dramatic and estimated phased rate increases around 10% annually as an order‑of‑magnitude figure, noting the district did not present a precise dollar delta at the meeting. The board approved the rates by motion and voice vote.