Board reinstates prior facilities-fee schedule for nonprofit/non-school public groups while committees review policy

The Rockingham County Board of Education voted to revert to the 2023–24 facilities-fee rates for the “non school, non nonprofit, non school public agency” category while staff and board committees complete a review of a proposed new fee schedule.

Dr. Stover, who presented the item as the meeting’s lone action, told the board that the district had not been charging fees in that category recently and offered three options: keep the status quo, adopt the proposed new fees immediately, or return to the 2023–24 rates for that specific category while the finance, facilities and policy committees finalize a recommendation. "We're not out to make money, and particularly, we want to support those groups that facilitate for students and children," Dr. Stover said, adding that fees should cover costs "in very little more."

Madam Chair moved to adopt the recommendation to revert to the 2023–24 rates; Paul Rachel seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote ('Aye'); no opposing votes were recorded in the transcript. Dr. Stover asked that the committees continue vetting the schedule and bring a final recommendation back to the board.

The change is temporary and procedural: Dr. Stover emphasized that some forthcoming grant- and capital-related approvals will still be brought to the board for separate authorization. The board did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the motion was approved by voice vote.

What happens next: facilities, finance and board policy committees will review the fee schedule in detail and advise the board whether to adopt the updated fees, maintain the reverted schedule, or pursue a different approach. The board did not provide a timetable for the committee review during the meeting.