The Punxsutawney Area School District board on Tuesday signaled it will direct staff to treat most independent youth sports and booster groups as nonprofit users under its facility-use schedule, meaning they would pay a modest category-2 rate rather than receive a full waiver. The change is intended to address fairness and precedent while protecting district facilities and staff time.

Board members and administrators debated requests from several travel teams and booster clubs seeking waivers for gym use. "I don't think they should get it for free," said a board member during the discussion, and administrators recommended charging a category-2 nonprofit rate rather than the higher private-business fee. Carmen, the district facilities administrator, told the board the category-2 fee on the form is $10 per hour for groups that qualify as nonprofits or community organizations.

The discussion also included complaints from parents about third-party fundraising platforms used by some booster clubs. "I've been receiving calls all week from parents on two different items... some of the people noticed that the app is charging 30%. So if you donate $100, the kids aren't getting a full $100," said Katie, who raised the concern during the athletics report. Administrators said those apps are run by private booster clubs, not the district, and recommended donors give checks directly to boosters when possible.

Board members and staff emphasized insurance and facility oversight. Carmen told the board that any outside group using district space must provide certificates of insurance and that indoor use carries extra custodial and maintenance costs. Several directors asked staff to update the facility-use form and the agenda for the upcoming Wednesday meeting so the board can formally vote on a consistent category for these groups.

No formal vote on fee policy took place at the meeting; members reached a consensus to place the revised category designation on the next meeting agenda for approval. Administrators said they would recommend application of the category-2 nonprofit rate and require certificate-of-insurance documentation before any group schedules use of district gyms or facilities.

Why this matters: The board's decision affects local booster clubs, travel teams and parent-organized groups that use school facilities for practices and fundraisers. Charging a modest fee aims to cover custodial, utilities and oversight costs while maintaining access for community groups. The board also sought to reduce public confusion about whether the district endorses or benefits from privately run fundraising platforms.