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District previews overhaul of facilities-use policy after review finds 4,128 rentals this year
Summary
Bethlehem Area SD staff told the facilities committee the district logged 4,128 after‑hours lease events this fiscal year across 147 groups and said the district plans to close perceived loopholes and better align fees with costs while protecting community partners.
Bethlehem Area SD staff told the facilities committee on May 19 that a planned update to Policy 707, the district’s use‑of‑facilities policy, will seek to better align rental fees with operating costs after a multi‑year pattern of growth in after‑hours use.
Staff said the district recorded 4,128 lease events between July 1 and the meeting date and that 147 distinct community groups used district facilities. Staff said the district’s existing fee structure—set roughly 15 years ago—has not kept pace with rising costs and that the district currently recovers little revenue after paying overtime custodial and other labor costs. Staff told the committee the labor costs for opening and cleaning facilities for rentals total about $147,000 and that custodial charges when billed are entirely for overtime.
The district plans to engage the largest facility users and community stakeholders over the coming months to close “loopholes,” address inequities, and preserve partnerships the district values. Staff said they do not intend to generate profit but want to at minimum recover costs for facility operation. Examples staff and board members discussed included travel sports teams that use an ostensibly local nonprofit’s status to secure low or no‑cost use while generating substantial program revenue.
Board members and staff emphasized the complexity of the policy and referenced a prior two‑year revision roughly 14–15 years ago that sought to balance free or low‑cost access for some nonprofit partners with the district’s fiscal responsibilities. Board members said principals retain authority to approve uses in their buildings under current procedures; staff said principals will be included in outreach as the policy is revised.
Staff also noted an overlap between the facilities‑use review and the district’s athletics strategic planning and said the district will work to coordinate outreach with both efforts. Committee members did not take action; staff said they will return with proposals and stakeholder engagement plans.
