Cary basketball organizers urge board to pause gym rental fee hike; board tables decision to review options
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Representatives of the Cary Basketball Association told the Cary CCSD 26 board that a proposed $10-per-hour gym rental increase would jeopardize affordability for nearly 700 youth participants; the board agreed to table the facility-fee proposal and direct administration to negotiate and return with alternatives in March.
Representatives of the Cary Basketball Association urged the Cary Community Consolidated School District 26 board on Monday to pause plans for a proposed increase in gym rental rates that they say would be passed directly to families.
"Increasing gym space even just a little bit will save an awesome youth sports program for everybody in our town at an affordable price for our families," said Stephanie Schwall, who identified herself as a representative of the Cary Basketball Association (CBA). She said the volunteer-run league currently has close to 700 children enrolled and that gym rental is the single largest expense shown in the materials she provided the board.
Amanda (last name not provided), who identified herself as CBA co-vice president and scheduler, told the board the association expects to use about 1,250 hours of District 26 gym space for the 2025–26 season. "A $10 increase for this will represent a $12,500 increase in our rental fees next season," she said, and asked the board to consider phased increases or a multi-year price guarantee so nonprofit leagues can plan budgets.
Administration defended the rationale for new fees as a way to help the district maintain facilities after referendum-funded renovations. Mr. Shepherd (administration) said the proposal includes a conditional snow‑removal charge for weekend renters and an across-the-board $10 increase to help cover facility maintenance and wear.
Several board members expressed concern about the impact on families and nonprofit groups that rely on school gyms. One board member said she was "glad the CBA came" and urged administration to seek a compromise; the board president said the vote on the fee structure could be revisited after further discussion.
After discussion the board agreed to table the facility usage fee vote and asked administration to return at the March meeting with potential alternatives, including negotiated contracts or phased increases, and to explore nonprofit exceptions.
The board did not adopt the proposed rate changes Monday; the item will return for further review in March.