Dixon Unified approves rental of Maine Prairie band room to Dixon Teen Center after public debate about survey and facility use

The Dixon Unified School District board voted to approve a one-year rental agreement permitting the Dixon Teen Center to occupy the band room and use restrooms at Maine Prairie High School on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The districtchief business official, Joanna Ahola, told the board staff had taken a "data-driven approach" that included meetings with the teen center and school leadership, followed by a family survey showing 58% preference for Maine Prairie as the preferred site. Ahola said the district and teen center agreed to nonprofit facility rental rates and that custodial costs to manage trash and restroom cleaning were included in the agreement.

Why it matters: the agreement gives the teen center a fixed district location and clarifies hours and fees, but it prompted public comment from residents and teachers who said the survey was limited and that alternative sites in town or the previous teen-center site should have been considered.

Public comment and district response A public commenter who identified concerns about the survey design criticized staff for offering only two choices, saying the survey omitted options such as an alternate central-city location and called the process "surreptitious". The commenter also expressed concern about losing a classroom used for physical education on weekdays.

Ahola and board members responded that staff had met with school leadership and that the survey was drafted with the teen center and shared with families; Ahola said the result favored Maine Prairie and that the rental would be limited to the stated days and times. Trustee comments thanked the teen center for patience and noted the decision followed a year-and-a-half district process.

Teen Center remarks Representatives of the Dixon Teen Center, including Jerry Castanon and Kaye Kaler (board members), thanked the board and district staff and said the organization had long sought a stable site. Kaler said the center's volunteers and prior efforts had improved the former site and that the teen centerboard had deep local ties and experience working with youth.

Board action and follow-up The board approved the rental agreement unanimously. District staff said insurance and payment details had been confirmed and the next step is occupancy and a ribbon-cutting later in the month. The agreement covers only one room (band room) and restrooms; district staff said the teen centeruse is exclusive during the agreed hours and that the facility-fee schedule is included in the rental agreement packet.

Clarifying detail: the district characterized the decision as "data driven," cited 58% family preference for Maine Prairie in its survey, and noted the agreement covers Fridays and Saturdays 4 p.m.-9 p.m., includes custodial costs and charges the teen center nonprofit facility rental fees.

What remains: some speakers asked for a separate MOU for turf fields and for clearer commitments around weekday classroom availability; the board directed staff to finalize insurance and payment arrangements and to report back if additional issues arise.