Schmidt: People Will Like New School Use Policy

Larry Schmidt, the new president of the county school board, is predicting passage tonight of a new rule that will govern by community groups and for-profit entities.

"I'm optimistic it's going to be passed and the people who were not happy are going to be happy," said Schmidt, speaking last week to a task force charged with reviewing how county school board members are selected.

Schmidt, who has been president less than a month, won't be present for the vote but said he's happy with the new policy.

"Profit and not-for-profits are allowed in the school," Schmidt said, adding that priority will be given to PTA and recreation and parks organizations.

Over the last year, the that the schools system has been using the policy known as Rule 1300 to deny them access to using the buildings.

Because the buildings are public, schools systems are required to develop rules that allow for use by the public. PTA and community groups said they were denied use of the schools. Some said they were forced to discontinue flea markets and craft shows that were used to raise money that was put back into respective schools.

Those same groups complained that the schools system frequently delayed decisions on applications to use the buildings until the last minute and left them little time to appeal.

Schmidt said the new board policy will address that.

"We've tightened up the timeline so people who apply are going to get a quick answer," Schmidt said. "If they're unhappy with the answer, there's a quick appeal process to the board."

Schmidt said the schools system will still deny access to buildings for any event deemed to be disruptive to the educational mission of the school or could damage school property.