Brooks BOE raises rental fees for school buildings

QUITMAN -- A standard rental charge for the use of all Brooks County school buildings was discussed during the regularly scheduled board of education meeting Tuesday night.

Board Member Chip Carroll said he and School Superintendent Debra Folsom had discussed that some school rooms have been rented out for $50 and that's not covering the cost of the use of the school.

"We looked around at area schools, and they range anywhere from $150 to $250 mostly," Carroll said.

The building and grounds committee discussed it with the BOE and decided on two options: either eliminate the use of the school building or increase the rental of a building to what ever amount the board deems appropriate.

Carroll suggested that he'd like to increase the rent to $250 or not allowing the building to be used. The rental would apply to family reunions and receptions. The rental would not apply to activities that children are involved in.

Chairman Brad Shealy asked if they were talking about non-school related functions being subject to rent, which was verified by other board members.

Carroll wanted to make schools available but raise the fee so it's not at a loss to the school system. The rental amount wouldn't include a custodial hourly fee which would be added to the rental fee, Folsom said.

A motion was made that all Brooks County school buildings would be available for $50 an hour with a minimum of five hours, plus a custodial fee. The motion was passed unanimously.

In other business

Under new business there was a question about bus bids.

There are about 30 buses and every year three new buses are bought every year. If the transportation budget is cut as the governor said it would be there could be less money, Board Member Larry Cunningham said.

Shealy suggested that the bus bids needed to be tabled until the board knows what the money situation is.

The board approved tabling the matter.



To contact reporter Rip Prine, please call 244-3400, ext. 237.