District proposes written facility-use rules, including custodial fees and $100 vaping-deposit trial

Derby Public Schools operations staff on Aug. 4 proposed a written set of facility-use regulations and fees intended to make recurring decisions consistent and to align rates with neighboring districts.

Burke Jones, director of operations, said the document formalizes practices already in place: team practice sessions would be limited initially to one three-hour session per week (with options for additional nights if space remains), and district-related fundraisers would incur custodial fees only. Paid camps, athletic or academic, and paid tutoring conducted by staff are subject to rental or custodial fees.

The proposal includes operational safeguards: a $50 deposit for Panther Stadium soccer-goal usage that would be refunded if groups relock goals; if the district must secure goals, the deposit is forfeited. To reduce vaping at events on district property, the packet recommends a $100 refundable deposit for groups; the deposit will be returned if fewer than five vape notifications occur during the event. Jones said the committee considered higher penalties but chose a modest amount to avoid discouraging use of facilities.

The policy draft retains an exception clause allowing the director of operations to modify or make exceptions, with the superintendent and board as further authority. Board members who served on the committee praised the staff's work and said the clearer written policy should assist operations staff in repeated decisions.

No final adoption vote was recorded in the transcript; the item was presented for discussion and questions.