SAD 70 ups rental fees

By Sarah Berthiaume
Special to the Pioneer Times
    HODGDON — Like so many other prices lately, the price for gym rentals in SAD 70 is headed up.
    Renting a gymnasium in the Hodgdon district will now cost $350 instead of the previous $250. The price increase, a suggestion brought forward by Athletic Director Wayne Quint, is designed to help the district cover costs and make some profit.
    Superintendent Bob McDaniel told board members at their Feb. 13 meeting that, after staff and other expenses were included, the district was left with a net profit of about $75. That figure didn’t include heat or lights, he added.
    Originally it was suggested that the rental fees double to $500, but that idea didn’t gain favor with the majority of board members.
    “Taxpayers are already paying through the nose for the school district,” said Cary board member Maureen Friel. “A jump to $500 is just too much.”
    “I think we should be more community-minded on this,” added Margaret Scott, a board member from Linneus.
    The issue, which generated a fair amount of discussion, was eventually settled with a $350 rental fee for either Mill Pond School or Hodgdon High School gymnasiums. Use of the kitchen is an extra $50. Typically those fees are waived for fundraisers or other charity events.
    In other business, the Project Graduation committee will be able to go ahead with its plans for a laser tag fundraiser.
    At the January meeting, some board members expressed major concerns about an event on school property that involved “weapons,” suggesting that use of the laser tag equipment goes against school policy.
    But Superintendent McDaniel reported Monday night that the event was OK’d by the district’s legal counsel. Board members added their seal of approval, provided that participants are given adequate safety instructions before they play. The fundraiser, scheduled for early spring, is expected to raise $1,500 for Hodgdon’s Class of 2012.
    Also at the meeting, the following items were acted on:
    • Volunteers were approved to help high school students interested in playing volleyball. If interest continues the students may participate in a one-day tournament this spring. Board Chair Estela Lane said she thought it had been over 10 years since Hodgdon students participated in competitive volleyball.
    • A $2,000 grant was received from Lowe’s; those funds will help start a school garden.
    • The board chose unanimously to advertise for all coaching positions for the 2012-13 season.
    • Danny Milton was approved as a full-time bus driver.
    The next regular meeting of the SAD 70 school board will be Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m.