Provides for the use of rooms within a public school at a reasonable rate

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Roxanne J. Persaud says this is needed

This legislation seeks to amend the education law to mandate that public schools charge a reasonable fee to community organizations using school facilities for meetings and events. The legislation was brought about after learning that a Girl Scout Troop - made up of students that go to the NYC school - was being charged $3K to hold meetings in the school. A fee they were forced to raise additional money to utilize the space. This amendment is grounded in the principles of equitable access, commu- nity engagement, and the responsible use of publicly funded infrastruc- ture. Public schools are cornerstones of the communities they serve. By offer- ing affordable access to their facilities, schools can play a critical role in fostering civic engagement, supporting local initiatives, and encouraging a stronger sense of community identity. Community organiza- tions-such as youth programs, neighborhood associations, cultural groups, and nonprofits-often lack the resources to afford market-rate rental fees. Ensuring access to school facilities at a reasonable cost helps these organizations flourish and serve their intended populations more effectively. Public schools are funded by taxpayers and belong to the public. When school buildings sit unused during evenings, weekends, or school holi- days, valuable public space goes underutilized. This legislation aligns with the principle that public assets should fully benefit the public. Allowing low-cost community use ensures that these investments serve educational and social functions beyond regular school hours. Additionally, in many communities, especially underserved or low-income areas, public school facilities are among the few accessible, safe, and suitable venues for community gatherings. Charging high fees for their use disproportionately affects these communities and can exclude those who most need support. A reasonable fee structure helps remove barriers and promotes equity in the use of public resources. The legislation provides for the charging of a reasonable fee, recogniz- ing that schools may incur modest costs for utilities, custodial services, or security. It strikes a balance by allowing institutions to recover reasonable expenses while still prioritizing community access over revenue generation.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.