Youth sports leagues, PTAs and businesses that rent Poway Unified School District gyms, fields and classrooms will pay more starting July 1, 2027.

The board of trustees voted unanimously on Oct. 8 to raise facility rental fees by 10% plus the 2026 California Consumer Price Index (CPI) percentage across nearly all facility types, as first reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. The vote also locked in annual CPI-based adjustments each July 1 after that.

The change ends a pattern of long freezes between increases. Fees had not changed since July 1, 2023.

A $6 million gap

District officials told trustees that rental revenue covered only a fraction of what it costs to run the buildings. A direct cost analysis for the 2023-24 school year showed fee revenue of $1.24 million against $7.24 million in operating costs. The district's General Fund covered the $6 million difference.

Eric Dill, associate superintendent of Business Support Services, said the fees pay for maintenance, utilities, depreciation and wear and tear. He said the old approach of raising rates and then waiting years left renters facing large, unpredictable jumps.

"We have a proposal for a more predictable path of fee increases," Dill told the board.

Under the new policy, the district will announce each year's CPI-based adjustment in February, giving user groups several months' notice before the July 1 effective date. Dill said the CPI typically adds 3% to 4% per year.

Ruben Arras, director of facilities, maintenance and operations, said even with annual adjustments the district will not achieve full cost recovery. A gap between fee revenue and operating costs will remain.

What renters will pay

Fees vary by user category. Category A covers educational nonprofits such as PTAs and school foundations. Category B includes sports leagues, enrichment programs and religious organizations. Category C is for-profit businesses.

For a high school multipurpose room, hourly rates will rise from $38, $43 and $102 to $41.80, $47.30 and $112.20 for categories A, B and C. Classroom rentals across all school levels will go from $38, $43 and $84 to $41.80, $47.30 and $92.40 per hour.

Some facility types saw increases well beyond the 10%-plus-CPI formula in the approved fee schedule. Gym rentals at high schools and middle schools will jump from $42, $47 and $108 to $85.80, $94.60 and $228.80 per hour. Del Norte High School's 14-lane pool moves from a flat $210 per hour for all groups to a tiered rate of $168.30, $224.40 and $448.79. School aquatics practices and meets in season remain free, according to a staff report.

Trustees weigh in

Trustee David Cheng said the district may want to consider charging for-profit companies more than just the CPI increase in future years. Trustee Tim Dougherty said the lack of community opposition signaled acceptance.

Student clubs will not be charged for after-hours activities such as assemblies or guest speakers, Dill said. A custodial fee may apply for weekend events.

The district will calculate and announce the first annual CPI adjustment in February 2028.