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Board raises school building rental fees 4% for 2025–26 to better cover operating costs
Summary
The Newington Board of Education voted unanimously May 7 to increase building use fees by 4 percent for the 2025–26 school year to more closely match labor and operational costs for opening facilities to outside users.
The Newington Board of Education voted unanimously May 7 to raise building‑use fees by 4 percent for the 2025–26 school year, effective July 1, 2025, to better align user charges with increasing labor and facility costs.
Why the board acted Administration presented options (3.5 percent, 4 percent and 4.5 percent) and told the board that a 4.5 percent increase would more closely cover the district's full operating cost to open facilities (janitorial, HVAC, and staffing). The board selected 4 percent as a middle ground after discussion of community impact and cost recovery.
Details of the change The fee increase applies across the district's tiered fee schedule for outside groups, including nonprofits and for‑profit users, with differential rates and existing exemptions (for certain town uses). Administration said the revenue impact across all categories is modest — administration estimated the district typically bills roughly $100,000–$200,000 annually for building use, so a 1 percent change would translate to roughly $1,000–$2,000.
Board discussion Board members asked whether community groups would object; administration reported no recent pushback on modest fee increases. Several members said they preferred the 4 percent increase as a reasonable compromise: it helps cover costs without imposing a sharp jump on community groups, and the tiered schedule preserves lower rates for nonprofit and community partners.
Formal action Motion: Move the board of education to increase the building use fees by 4% for the 2025–26 school year, effective 07/01/2025. Outcome: motion passed unanimously; roll call recorded in meeting minutes.
Next steps and transparency Administration will update the district's facilities use web page and the external rental application to display the new schedule and will continue to offer fee exemptions and tiered pricing as appropriate.
Ending Board members said they would monitor community feedback and revisit the fee schedule if necessary.
