Wrenshall school board formalizing rules for community use of space

The Wrenshall school board is in the process of formalizing a policy for community use of school facilities.

The policy received a first reading at the board’s meeting on Tuesday. Superintendent Jeff Pesta said that because it’s a new policy the board can conduct as many readings as it takes to get it right.

“We want community feedback on this,” board chair Mary Carlson said.

Depending on the category, users of the school could be charged fees.

The six-page policy proposal prioritizes non-fee based use of the facility for pre-K through 12th grade school and extracurricular activities, and to conduct school business, such as parent advisory meetings, community education programming, staff meetings and school board business.

Use of the facility by tax-supported public agencies, such as fire departments, and non-fee-based recreational activities, such as Girls Scouts and Raptors elementary basketball, also would be exempt from fees.

Youth sports organizations will be given third priority, followed by other groups and private events.

In its opening paragraph, the proposed policy “encourages the public use of the facilities.”

“The Wrenshall Board of Education believes that the public schools are owned and operated by and for its patrons, and that the schools become an integral part of the community in terms of the community’s intellectual, social expression and development,” reads the opening salvo or the policy.

Youth sports leagues and the other groups will be required to attain use permits, provide proof of insurance, and pay either hourly or daily fees. Use of the main gymnasium, for instance, would cost $70 for an hour or $280 for the day. Others include: library $50/$200, cafeteria $50/$200, kitchen $40/$160, commons area $50/$200, and football field $40/$280.

Rules apply, including things such as no food in the gymnasium.

Board member Misty Bergman wondered aloud about an annual firefighters’ bingo event, which takes place in the gym and is catered with food by the district’s Parents In Education group. Board members agreed that special exemptions could be made with written consent. Bergman noted the event already considers care for the facility by using tarps on the floor where food is served and consumed.

The school is open for use from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., the policy said. It will not be available on holidays or days adjacent to holidays during which custodians are not available to work. The district reserves the right to hire event security for any of the categories of users, the proposal says, to be paid for by the permit holder.

The district also approved hiring a full-time facilities manager on Tuesday. The position will pay an annual salary of $37,019, and the person will be in charge of managing reservations and enforcing the new policy once it’s in place.

The board will conduct a second reading of the proposal at its November meeting.

Carlson encouraged community members to weigh in on the process.

“We really want people to read this,” she said.