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Committee keeps facility fees steady, eyes grants, rentals and in‑house pilots to generate revenue
Summary
Committee recommended no change to the recently overhauled facility fee schedule, reported ~95% of projected facility revenue, and discussed revenue options including grants for digitization, rentals (film/photo), shared services, and pilot in‑house driver's education or fleet maintenance.
The Budget & Facilities Committee on May 4 recommended publishing the current facility‑use fee schedule without an increase after last year’s overhaul. Brian told members the district is at about 95% of projected revenue and expects to meet targets for the year.
Committee members reviewed recent rental activity and outreach to film and production companies as higher‑revenue opportunities; staff said many inquirers choose other venues because of scheduling limitations during the school year. "When we rent to non‑profits we provide a great community service, but we certainly don't make any money," a facilities official said, noting bigger productions represent the revenue potential.
On grants and other revenue generators, staff described a $75,000 competitive grant proposal to digitize pupil‑personnel records as a first phase in a multi‑year efficiency project, a pending Dick’s Sporting Goods request for lacrosse helmets, and an ENL literacy grant of about $50,000. Committee members credited the district’s grant writer for significant time on these efforts and requested a packet update showing timelines and statuses for pending awards.
The board also discussed whether to bring certain services in‑house to save money or create revenue — citing driver’s education and vehicle maintenance as examples. Members noted barriers including insurance minimums, certified instructors, equipment costs and staffing; several suggested a hybrid pilot with a local vendor such as Bell Auto or a shared‑services arrangement with nearby districts. The committee asked for a formal ROI and feasibility analysis and agreed to include driver’s‑education as a fall tickler for deeper review.
Finally, staff reported the district is evaluating use of a Sands Point property for electric bus staging or solar but noted a Department of the Navy reversion/right‑of‑first‑refusal clause that restricts certain dispositions of the land.
What happens next: publish current facility fees for reorg, staff to prepare a grants‑status packet, and staff to return in the fall with feasibility analyses (driver’s education pilot, fleet maintenance ROI) and any recommended next steps on the Sands Point property.
