Community groups say new $45/hour supervisor fee makes facility use unaffordable for nonprofits
Summary
A public commenter told the Bellevue School Board a newly implemented $45 per hour supervisor fee for weekend facility use has created steep unexpected costs for volunteer organizations and urged the board to reconsider waivers or a flat fee for nonprofits.
During the public‑comment period on Nov. 13, a community representative told the Bellevue School Board that a newly implemented $45‑per‑hour supervisor fee for weekend use of school facilities is creating budgeting hardships for PTSA and volunteer‑run programs.
The commenter said the fee is charged regardless of how long an event runs and gave a concrete example: Bellevue Ski School was informed this year of an additional $2,160 in supervisor fees for eight weekends using the Highland Middle School parking lot — a roughly 300% year‑over‑year increase. "This fee ... has created significant budgeting challenges for volunteer‑run organizations like ours," the speaker said, arguing the added cost would be passed to families and reduce accessibility.
They asked the board to "reconsider or revise the supervisor fee, especially in cases where minimal oversight is required" and suggested alternatives such as a flat fee per use or waivers for nonprofits.
Board members acknowledged the concern and asked staff to clarify the policy’s scope and whether parking‑lot uses and similar low‑supervision events could receive a different fee treatment.
