It is going to cost more to rent Central Okanagan Public Schools facilities and sportsfields.

The Central Okanagan Board of Education has signed off on finance and audit committee recommendations for rate changes impacting three categories: community and educational partners (formerly categorized as non-profits); youth and adult athletics; and commercial (previously profit).

Committee chair Wayne Broughton explained the changes to trustees at the board of education meeting held Wednesday (May 22).

Broughton said the changes reflect the rising cost of maintaining school facilities, as rental usage has grown from an average of 5,300 hours annually from 2016 to 2020, to 7,600 hours for gymnasiums and about 570 hours for playing fields in the 2023-24 school year.

A school district staff report cites an increase in rental revenue from $885,000 in 2022-23, compared to an average of $665,000 over the previous decade.

It is expected the rental program will generate $1,036,000 for the 2023-24 school year, which includes rental revenue from four of the seven child care facilities that have opened over the current school year, however, that particular revenue is offset by direct costs incurred.

Direct costs also amounted to $305,730 for the 2022-23 year, which includes clerical and custodial support.

But what is adding to the program expense ledger is the cost of refurbishing eight secondary and five middle school gymnasium floors this summer.

And the product used to finish gym floors is a water-based rather than an oil-based product. Water-based products don害羞草研究所檛 have the lifespan of oil-based ones, as the accumulated wear and tear takes a maintenance toll much quicker.

害羞草研究所淐onsultation with school administrators has resulted in frequent appeals regarding the surface quality and safety of gymnasium floors, primarily from secondary and middle schools whose gymnasiums experience heavy use from athletic programs,害羞草研究所� stated the report.

Other rental program indirect costs include weekend demand for custodial staff, overtime costs for custodial staff, custodial supplies, utility cost increases, administration costs and maintenance upkeep demands on sports fields.

The end result is hourly rates increases will be as follows:

害羞草研究所� Community & Education Partners: playing field, youth, from $3.50 to $10; playing field, adult, from $6.50 to $16

害羞草研究所� Youth and Adult Athletics: gym, middle/secondary, from $68 to $100; gym, elementary, from $60 to $92; playing field, youth, from $3.50 to $10; playing field, adult, $6.50 to $16

害羞草研究所� Commercial: playing field, youth, from $30 to $50; playing field, adult, from $30 to $50

Broughton reiterated hourly rental rates have been largely static for the past decade, and required updating to align with increasing operating costs.

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