Holcomb board hikes for‑profit facility rental rate to $2,000 per day as interim policy

The USD 363 Board of Education on Monday voted to increase the district's Group 1 facilities‑use fee to $2,000 per day per room or gym for for‑profit users, a dramatic rise from the current $100 per day rate. The motion passed after an extended discussion among board members and district leadership.

The superintendent framed the proposal as a response to requests from outside organizations seeking to run tournaments and other revenue‑generating events in district buildings. "Do we want people to use our facilities to put money in their own pocket? Absolutely not," the superintendent said, arguing for a rate that would deter purely commercial use while preserving open access for civic groups.

Board members debated alternative approaches, including imposing deposits, setting hourly rates, or tightening the definition of patrons versus non‑patrons. One board member suggested a $500 daily rate as a compromise; another cautioned that changing the open and limited access approach could create administrative burdens. After further discussion the board moved and seconded a motion to set Group 1 at $2,000 per day per room as an interim fee while staff convene a committee of board members, athletic directors and coaches to draft a longer‑term policy.

The vote was taken by voice and the motion carried. The superintendent emphasized the figure was not set in stone: "This is not set in stone, and this is, accelerated," he said, and asked the board to authorize a committee to return with a refined fee schedule and procedures.

The board also noted enforcement and security concerns — including unauthorized overnight gym access and missing keys — that factored into the decision to raise fees for commercial users. District staff will implement the interim fee and report back to the board with a proposed permanent policy.