THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 16, 1997 TAG: 9701160233
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY NANCY YOUNG, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 54 lines
The School Board has opened the door for more organizations and residents to hold their functions on school property - at a price.
The board on Monday unanimously approved the new policy, which would allow for-profit organizations, businesses and other Chesapeake residents - at the district's discretion - to rent school facilities.
``The way it was written before, only nonprofits could use the facilities,'' said Tom Cupitt, the district's ombudsman.
Cupitt said the details of the policy, such as how much the district will charge for rentals, what the money will be used for and insurance responsibilities, still need to be worked out. He said he did not expect the new policy to go into effect until the 1997-98 school year.
``Normally, school facilities are not available for business use for profit,'' the new policy reads. ``The School Board reserves the right under this policy to cooperate with agencies of the city to consider on a case-by-case basis uses of the school facilities that may confer a special benefit to the citizens of Chesapeake.''
Cupitt said the policy change was sparked in part when the Hampton Roads Mariners soccer team expressed an interest in renting the stadium at Oscar F. Smith High School for their games last year. Under the old policy, such a deal could not be made because the Mariners are a for-profit organization.
The policy still does not allow the district to rent out facilities for private dances and private gatherings. School programs or city recreational functions will have top priority. The policy also forbids gatherings where alcohol or tobacco is consumed.
Fees will be charged according to the applicant group's classification. For Chesapeake school-sponsored organizations or youth organizations, there will be no charge beyond special costs arising directly from the event itself.
Nonprofit organizations holding regular meetings will be charged for custodial time, any special equipment that they use and any personnel costs. For-profit groups or groups holding fund-raising events will also be charged a rental fee for facilities.
While actual rental rates have not been established, the new policy raises the possibility of generating more revenue, particularly if the district chooses to rent its facilities at rates competitive with private facilities.
If that happens, board member Thomas Bray said he'd like to see the money go back into the city's capital budget, and, if possible, specifically earmarked for school-related capital projects.
``We are now going to make more money on these events,'' Bray said at Monday's meeting. ``We're not talking about a lot of money. We may put back $10,000 a year,'' he added.
Other members of the School Board said discussion on proposals such as Bray's should be reserved for when the board decides on the new regulations to go along with the new policy.
KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE SCHOOLS