“We’re still talking people’s jobs.”

And with that statement, John F. Axselle III, vice chairman of the Hanover County School Board from the Beaverdam District, made a motion that an increase be implemented in July for community use of school facilities.

The vote, seconded by Ann F.H. Gladstone of the South Anna District, passed 6-1.

The action took place during last Tuesday’s regular meeting of the School Board.

Robert L. Wood of the Cold Harbor District, was the lone dissenting vote. He had made the motion that the School Board “split the overall increase over two years.” It failed for lack of a second.

It was pointed out that leagues starting for the spring will not be impacted at this time. When July arrives, however, those participants will be affected by the cost change.

Glen Allen resident David See, who serves as president of the Ashland Girls’ Softball League, addressed the School Board with his daughter Madison at his side. He had appeared at the Feb. 10 meeting when the user fee was first placed on the agenda.

“The same budgetary shortfalls affecting the School Board are affecting us too,” he said. “I don’t want to turn any child away, but I may have to.”
“Youth programs serve a greater purpose than just for those that can afford them,” said See.

He said that many students who participate in such programs “make better grades in school.” He also mentioned the value of positive reinforcement in the time spent with the children.

“Countless hours of volunteers [are invested] in our youth league. You must take ownership in these programs,” he told the board.

“This is not just about dollars and cents – it’s about the future of our children.”

Before closing, See said he did “know the task you have is huge.”

Art Carson of Mechanicsville, who is involved with the Hanover County Youth Basketball program, followed, saying he would “echo the same feelings David said.”

He referred to the Feb. 10 meeting, saying, “We are members of Hanover [County] Parks and Recreation.” During the winter months, November through March, there is a $5 fee per child, totaling $3,315. Custodial costs run $16,200, for a total of $19,515 in gymnasium usage fees.

Carson said the fees had been raised five years ago.

Paul Vecchione, assistant superintendent of Student and Support Services, said 240 people and users had been contacted about the rate hike. He also said the policy is reviewed every two years.

His proposal called for implementing the increases “tonight, July 2009, January 2010 or July 2010.”

Axselle said the programs were “critical, very important to our youth. We have the costs, unfortunately we don’t have the funds to cover them.”

He said the School Board was “trying to balance all this the most effective and efficient way we can.”

“Bite it and go forth with it – I don’t see any other way to do it. We have to cover the costs,” he added.

“It’s harsh to hit our folks with the full blow of it at one time,” said Wood. He suggested halving the increases in 2009 and 2010 “or bite the bullet and increase in 2010 for the full amount.”

Earl J. Hunter Jr. of the Henry District, who serves as the School Board’s representative on Parks and Rec, said, “We have some of the best facilities in the world,” noting the conditions of the fields and gyms.

“The facilities are taken care of very well,” said Glenn T. Millican Jr. of the Mechanicsville District. He referred to the condition of Lee-Davis High School, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. “We have not allowed our facilities to slide.”

“As long as we put this off,” said Axselle, “we still have the costs. We’ve got to take it from somewhere else. The money’s not there to do it.”

“If we don’t pay for it here,” he added, “we go to the classroom.”

After the February meeting, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that “School classroom fees would go from $50 for a maximum of 3½ hours to $50 for a minimum of three hours plus $25 for each additional hour or partial hour. Elementary and middle school auditoriums, gyms or cafeterias would go from $100 for a maximum of 3½ hours to $150 for at least three hours plus $50 for each extra hour or partial hour. High school auditoriums, gyms and cafeterias would go from $150 for three hours to $200 for a minimum of three hours plus $75 for each additional hour or partial hour. For groups associated with the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, the league would have to pay a one-time-per-season fee of $150 for each night of the week it reserved a school facility. The current fee is $100.

“For those not associated with the county, the fees would be $200 per event, per school site, for each week of their season.”