Lakeland trustees discuss overhauling school facilities use policy amid complaints about fees and roster rules

The Lakeland Joint School District Board of Trustees spent its meeting reviewing proposed revisions to the district—ommunity use policy, focusing on how groups qualify for no-fee or reduced-fee access and how the district should bill for custodial, garbage and access services. Staff read the draft policy aloud and walked trustees through fee categories and administrative procedures.

The draft reiterates that school programs have priority and "use of school facilities requires the superintendent's approval," and specifies that some groups may be charged for custodial services, building opening/closing, field lighting and large-event garbage removal. "All facility use shall comply with state and local fire, health, safety, and police regulations," a staff reader said while reciting the proposed policy language. The draft also notes that students and school-related organizations shall be granted use of facilities at no cost, and that other organizations will pay fees and costs.

Board members…