Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Orange board approves two facility-use resolutions; one passes amid concerns about city cost-sharing
Summary
The Orange Board of Education approved two facility-use resolutions March 12, 2025 — one (L‑2) was approved unanimously to allow Girl Scouts use of district space, while the other (L‑1) passed 4–1 with two abstentions after debate over whether City Hall should pay the full cost.
The Orange Board of Education voted March 12 to approve two facility-use resolutions after a period of discussion about cost-sharing with the city.
President Shawneque Johnson moved to include both resolutions on the consent agenda; the board later un‑tabled L‑2 and approved both items. Resolution L‑1 passed on roll call 4 yea, 1 nay, 2 abstain and 2 absent. Resolution L‑2 passed 7–0 among members present.
Councilwoman Quantavia Hilbert had asked the board during public comment to approve space for a newly formed, citywide Girl Scout troop of 21 members that is currently meeting at the public library. "We need a safe, dedicated space for our troop to meet," Hilbert said, asking the board to consider the Girl Scouts' request.
Board discussion on L‑1 focused on who should bear the cost of facility use. Board member Tyrone Tarver said City Hall should be responsible for the full cost rather than the district subsidizing the program. "If the city budgets the program, they should fund the full cost," Tarver said, adding his broader concern that district funds be prioritized for direct academic needs.
Board member Jeffrey Wingfield urged prioritizing student access to programs over strict financial concerns. "We need to prioritize student needs," Wingfield said. President Johnson described the arrangement with City Hall as reciprocal and noted the district has existing relationships that inform cost‑sharing decisions.
School Business Administrator Jason Ballard clarified an earlier figure cited during debate, saying the district is not allocating $760,000 to a single program. "Those costs are shared across three other programs operating in the same facility," Ballard said, adding that expenses are distributed among concurrent programs.
The motions and roll calls were recorded in the meeting minutes. The board also approved the consent agenda excluding item L‑1 earlier in the meeting before later taking the separate votes that included both resolutions.
What happens next: The approved facilities‑use resolutions will be reflected in district scheduling and facilities planning. Board members said staff will follow up on questions raised during debate about stipend and vetting procedures related to city recreation programs.
Votes at a glance: Resolution L‑1 — passed 4 yea, 1 nay, 2 abstain, 2 absent. Resolution L‑2 — passed 7 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstain (members present).
