Board hears proposal to add nonprofits and nonresidents to facility-fee schedule; trustees send policy to first reading

The Burnsville Public School District presented proposed adjustments to Regulation 902R and the attached fee schedule to allow nonprofit groups and nonresidents to rent district facilities and to adjust several rates intended to increase rentals from in-district nonprofits.

Administrators said the changes aim to expand access for community organizations and increase rentals without displacing in-school activities.

Jason Sellers, director of community education, and Kyle Henriksen, facilities coordinator, described an annual review of rates. Sellers said the proposal would, for example, reduce some fees so adult in-district nonprofits are more likely to use gyms and other spaces that currently feel cost-prohibitive. Henriksen said he coordinates quarterly with other Southern Metro facilities coordinators to keep rates broadly competitive. In discussion, trustees asked whether lowering fees could create conflicts with existing school programs or accelerate wear and tear on fields. Henriksen said scheduling would prioritize school programs and that most rentals would occur outside school-held times; he said increased rental volume could offset the lower per-use rate.

Trustees advanced the proposed Regulation 902R and fee schedule changes for first reading. They noted the regulatory fee schedule will be updated and returned after the initial policy receives approval so the nonprofit categories can be applied consistently.