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Board splits on facility-fee waiver request for Lake County Legacy semi-pro basketball; superintendent to meet with organizer
Summary
Waukegan trustees debated waiving facility fees for Lake County Legacy Inc.'s semi‑pro basketball events. Policy allowed only a facility-only waiver for classification‑5 events, but several trustees urged flexibility. The superintendent offered to meet with the organizer before the item returns to the full board for action.
The Operational Services Committee on April 15 discussed a facility rental waiver request from Lake County Legacy Inc., a semi‑professional basketball organization whose owner, Henry French, asked the district to waive rental fees for use of school facilities.
The agenda classified the event as a classification‑5 event, which under district policy is only eligible for a facility‑only waiver; the agenda listed a $3,000 fee for facility use while the full invoice presented to the board was just over $6,000. "As a board, we can suspend our own policy," Board President Ewing said, but other trustees urged caution and adherence to policy.
Several trustees said the program offers community benefits, internships and student opportunities. French described plans for student internships in broadcast and social media, and said he funds the team from a culture-and-climate stipend; he also requested the district’s support to make games accessible to families who cannot attend in person.
Board members disagreed about whether to grant a full waiver. Some members urged following the written policy to remain consistent. Others — including trustees who cited the program’s youth and community benefits — urged the superintendent to find alternative funding or to meet with the organizer to identify options.
Superintendent and staff said they would meet with French to explore solutions and to bring a clarified request back to the board for a public vote at the next meeting. "I'm gonna meet with you tomorrow. Let's see what we can figure out," the superintendent told the organizer.
No final action was taken at the committee meeting; the item will be scheduled for the next board meeting after the superintendent’s follow-up with the organizer.
