Board approves revision to Policy 1330 on school facilities after debate over rental fees

The East Haven School District Board of Education voted to approve a revision to Policy 1330, Use of School Facilities, after trustees discussed updated rental pricing for school auditoriums and support spaces.

Board members and facilities staff said the revision aligns rental fees with comparable venues and helps generate revenue for ongoing equipment and maintenance upgrades. Officials cited recent investments at James Morris Middle School (JMMS) — including a roughly $250,000 overhaul of stage lighting and sound — when explaining why the district kept higher auditorium rates while reducing some peripheral fees.

Staff described comparing the district’s facilities to nearby towns and adjusting prices “based on what we found from those comparables,” noting some neighboring auditoriums are larger and some smaller than East Haven High School’s auditorium. The board heard that since last September the district has hosted about 43 events and had another 38 events scheduled from January through the summer, producing most revenue from rental fees rather than staffing charges.

Discussion focused on whether increases — including a proposed $75-per-hour uplift for the auditorium — would price out smaller, recurring local users. Trustees asked staff about the practical impact on community recitals and nonprofit groups. Staff said the largest commercial rental the district has handled is about $60,000 and that the proposed increase would raise that by roughly $4,500; for typical smaller local recitals the change would be in the $400–$500 range.

Board members stressed flexibility for long-standing users and nonprofit organizations. Staff said the district will notify existing multi‑day or out‑of‑state events of price changes when those groups next book and that long‑time customers may request rate reductions. Trustees also noted that higher fees help the district fund wear-and-tear repairs and equipment replacement — for example, a single lighting module recently purchased cost about $17,000.

After discussion, a trustee moved to approve the revision to Policy 1330 and a second was recorded. Roll-call voting showed six affirmative votes; the motion carried.

The board indicated the changes will take effect for new bookings and that the district can revisit the schedule if future demand falls. Staff said adjustments can be made later if needed and recommended placing more detailed pricing or implementation items on a workshop agenda if trustees wanted additional review.