| A proposed policy by Calhoun Schools is causing a stir.
Calhoun Schools has issued a policy change for public comment regarding the use of school facilities to non-school related groups, requiring those groups to pay hourly facility fees and custodial expenses.
Calhoun Superintendent of Schools Tim Woodward acknowledged the new policy, if adopted, would require any group that does not operate "under our FEIN number be required to abide by the fee schedule."
Woodward said, "This is the first reading and I will take a look at any responses and determine changes that may need to be made to the second reading if any are
required."
The charging of fees for the use of athletic facilities, the auditorium and other space could impact a number of groups, including youth athletic programs who have used the athletic fields and gymnasium at no cost.
School officials have said that the failure to pass an excess operating levy has added to the crunch.
School board president Steve Whited expressed a number of concerns about the policy.
Youth sports groups involving basketball, football and other sports would be directly impacted, in addition to other community groups who have historically used school facilities.
In the policy, the costs of using school gyms would be $40 an hour, with a minimum of $90 for custodial services.
The use of the athletic field would be $15 per hour, with a minimum of $90 per hour for custodial services.
The use of the auditorium would be $50 per hour, with a minimum of $90 per hour for custodial services.
The school system has been facing an $800,000 deficit, and has been taking some critical, unpopular measures to balance the county school budget.
School board president Steve Whited said, "I think more oversight is needed for those organizations when using facilities to make sure they are kept up, they need to keep track of siblings/others who are there while activities are taking place."
" Also (the use), should not cost the school system, in the sense of utilities and time cleaning up. If clean up is required, then charges should be applied."
"I certainly do not want to restrict our students from partaking in activities, but I also understand the position we are in," Whited said, indicting a passage of a school operating levy would help.
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proposed school policy out for comment
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