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Board reviews facility-use fees; staff to return with more analysis
Summary
The board discussed Policy 1330 on use of school facilities and the draft rental rates for auditorium, atrium and other spaces. No vote was taken; staff said RJ will complete further analysis and a revised draft will be returned for approval.
The East Haven Board of Education reviewed a draft revision of Policy 1330, Use of School Facilities, and discussed proposed rental rates for spaces including the high-school auditorium, atrium/foyer and the Coral Room. Board members asked for further analysis of comparative pricing and charging structures; staff said they will return with refined recommendations before any vote.
District staff said current draft rates are comparable to neighboring towns but differ in structure (flat fee, first-hours-plus-hourly, etc.). Staff noted the high-school auditorium's technical capabilities and unique loading and backstage access, which factor into pricing. Board members asked whether use of the atrium and foyer is included with auditorium rentals and whether charging separately for additional classrooms or choral rooms would deter community groups. One member said the atrium/foyer is normally included with auditorium rentals but isolated use of the atrium would be charged.
Erica, a district staff member presenting the draft, told the board: "I really wanted RJ to do a little bit of a further analysis before we vote on this, but I wanted to put something in front of you this evening just to get your feedback, hear your thoughts, and your input so that we can bring it back to you in the near future." Randall, who the presenter identified as having theater-arts experience, described the auditorium's features and said, "they do not build them like this anymore," noting large doors for truck load-in, large sound and light booths, and other technical capacity that make the space more valuable for rental.
The board did not take action. Staff will complete a comparative analysis of local rates, consider bundling/discount options for multiple spaces, and return a revised policy and pricing schedule for board review and formal action.
