H-M-S board OKs cost structure for facility usage

Revisiting the matter of whether to charge fees for use of district facilities, the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn School Board on Monday voted to assess a charge to for-profit school entities.

Superintendent Patrick Carlin suggested requiring groups that are covered by H-M-S's liability insurance to pay an annual fee. They include booster clubs, Parents In Education, gymnastics and dance.

"There's not really a clean way to pick or choose groups," Carlin acknowledged.

"In my mind it's fair to charge groups something," said Board President Scott Vollink.

Carlin suggested the fee be set at $100, which is the approximate cost to the district for each group included under insurance. The board accepted his recommendation.

"I'd leave it at $100," said Board Vice President Kyle McCarter.

In other business, the board renewed an agreement with Iowa Lakes Community College to provide special education services for an H-M-S student, agreed to allow the Junior Hawks Sports Academy to utilize the district logo, and approved the updated technology user agreement.

Contracts were issued to Olivia Grooters, ag teacher and FFA sponsor; and Rachel Doerksen and Kendra Rozeboom, elementary associates. Madison Otto was approved as a volunteer for the cross country program.

Referring to the recent flooding in the area, Carlin said that H-M-S was "in fairly good shape." He suggested the district monitor any future changes in property valuations that may result. Decreases in valuations could affect district revenues, especially in areas that are primarily funded with property taxes.

"I don't see a great impact for us," he said.