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Rockingham County Board approves revised community‑use policy with new fees and insurance requirements
Summary
The Rockingham County Board of Education approved a revised community use of facilities policy that establishes a $50 nonrefundable deposit, requires $1,000,000 liability coverage for event dates, and tiers fees by user type; staff said revenues will cover utilities, maintenance and return 25% to schools.
The Rockingham County Board of Education approved a revised community use of school facilities policy that sets a $50 nonrefundable security deposit, requires a $1,000,000 certificate of liability covering the date of the event, and implements a tiered fee schedule for non‑school users.
District staff presented the regulation and fee schedule during the board meeting and described how fees will be assessed and distributed. Staff said school‑sponsored and school‑related groups will continue to use facilities free of charge while nonprofit public interest agencies, local governments and private for‑profit groups will pay higher rates. The district will pay staff or custodians assigned to events, and staff described typical charges for outside facilities and courts that are listed in the proposed schedule.
The presentation outlined how revenue will be used: utilities will be covered first, 35% will be allocated to maintenance to repair wear and damage, and 25% will be returned to the schools, according to staff. Staff also described operational safeguards including principal approval of applications, denial if required documentation or deposit is missing, and consultation with the district safety director when an event raises traffic or security concerns.
Board members asked clarifying questions about hourly versus daily rates for outdoor fields and stadiums and whether existing municipal shared‑use agreements would be honored. A board member said the district intends to continue honoring current agreements with municipalities and community partners while ensuring costs are equitable.
There was a brief exchange about when the policy will take effect. Staff stated the policy implementation date is being phased in to give community groups time to prepare; one board member noted the start date should be January 2025. The board then moved to approve the policy as presented; the motion was seconded and the board voiced 'Aye' with no opposition recorded.
The board approved the policy during the meeting; staff said the district will notify community groups and publish the final regulation and fee schedule.
