School Board Seeks Input on Changes to Facilities Use Policy

The Baltimore County Board of Education, responding to public feedback, has begun a review of proposed changes to the facilities-use policy that may result in allowing craft fairs and other community events to operate on school grounds again.

At Tuesday night's meeting, the board began reviewing changes to the policy after complaints that current policies and practices were adversely impacting school and community groups. After hearing from the public, the board decided to formally review the policy and make changes to the committee.

Some of the policy changes proposed include:

1. Linking the application form directly to the board policy so individuals applying can find the form easily.

2. Providing a list to applicants of groups authorized to use school facilities.

3. Clearly stating that third-party vendors must have the appropriate permits and licenses in order to use the school facility.

4. Waiving fees and insurance requirements for events that will have fewer than 50 people, such as neighborhood associations.

5. Developing a more specific appeal process and language so applicants are clearly informed about how to appeal a rejected facilities-use application.

The changes reflect some of the made by PTA groups and other community groups whose members said that longstanding events were denied because of vendor issues or a misunderstanding in the application process.

At Tuesday's meeting, board members still had questions and suggestions, and many agreed that having a more detailed appeal process was helpful.

Board members Meg O'Hare and Larry Schmidt said that if a community group does its due diligence and applies to use a facility well in advance, it should expect a timely appeal response if its application is denied.

"There is no excuse for not letting the public know what to expect as far as response time," she said. "This is what you do for customer service."

To see the proposed policy, go here.

The board will have public comment at its next meeting on June 14 and will vote on the policy changes on July 12.