Douglas School Board considering dropping admission fees to games

At its regular monthly meeting April 3 the Douglas School Board of Education discussed the possibility of doing away with admission fees to all athletic events except state playoff games which are put on by the Arizona Interscholastic Association.

During the 45 minute discussion on this particular item Douglas’ Athletic Director Randy Walker said the fees charged at DHS athletic events of $4 for adults and $3 for students is similar to what other schools charge. Two nights later when the Douglas Bulldogs faced the Bisbee Pumas in Bisbee fans entering the game were charged $5 for adults; $3 for students.

“Do we want to provide entertainment and charge for it or do we want to support our kids,” school board member Mike Ortega asked?

Walker pointed out that last year gate revenue from football generated $19,552; volleyball $3,407; boys and gitls basketball $8,315; boys and girls soccer $1,880; wrestling $4,218 and baseball $2,414 for a total of $39,786.

Walker then added that $28,217 was spent paying officials; $8,594 for the ticket sellers and takers and $1,523 for security.

Walker said additional security would be needed at the games if the board decided to eliminate the fees thus adding additional costs. Plus they would need to find a way to pay the officials.

While Ortega and Dr. Ed Gomez seemed in favor of voting on the item that night Board President Mario Ramos and board member Susan Kramer had some concerns about where the money would come from.

In the end the board agreed to table this item until they can figure out some way to come up with the money to pay the officials.

Another item on the agenda involved the fees for use of community school facilities. This was another item that had some lengthy discussion.

There are currently three classifications for fees for usage of various school facilities. Class one is no charge for organizations that fall under the district mission related use. Class two is for community college and civic organizations, community concerts, churches, recitals, etc. and class three is for all commercial and profit making organizations.

Walker showed the board records of how much it costs every time the lights are turned on at the DHS football field or Copper King Stadium. Then there is the heating issue for the cafeteria, auditorium or library.

In the end the board agreed to keep the fees at no charge for class one but also asked Walker to come back with an increased rate proposal at a later date for the class two and three organizations.

Business Manager Cesar Soto reported that the auction held on March 17 netted a grand total of $2,150.04 and now the question is how the district can spend that money.

“I’m researching it and hope to have an answer for you soon,” Soto told the board.

The board also accepted the revisions to the 2012/13 and 2013/14 district school calendars. In the 2012-13 school year calendar fall break will be Oct. 8-12; Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 21-23; Christmas break Dec. 24 – Jan. 4, 2013; spring break March 11-15 and Easter break March 29 and April 1. Students will start school Aug. 2 instead of Aug. 6 and graduation would be May 24.

The board also heard from DUSD Network Administrator Marco Durazo on what was an informational item regarding the E-Rate application which the district was awarded $654,568.15 to pay for “eligible services” he applied for.

The board also accepted donations of $50 from MVG Realty, L.L.C. DBA Douglas Realty-Group for Business Teacher of the Year awards as well as Irene and Sergio Garcia who also donated $50 for Teacher of the Year awards. A $500 donation from the Douglas Run/Walk for the Cure for a banner in the outfield at Copper King Stadium was also accepted by the board.

The board approved the hiring of Judy Herbert, retroactive to March 25, 2012 as the Douglas High School Interim Assistant Principal. Pablet Escalante was also hired as a substitute teacher.

Walker was approved as Douglas’ interim principal and both he and Melissa Rodriguez were approved as administrators of D-Pass.

Jean Tsuya and James Wahl had their resignations approved effective May 24.

Erica Buelna, Maria Cornejo, Adrianna Sepulveda, Veronica Salcido and Martha Morales were hired as classified staff.

The board granted the out of state travel, registration fees and lodging for Mrs. Lourdes Mora and students Jocelyn Fimbres and Karina Palomares to the 2012 DECA International Career Development Conference which will be held in Salt Lake City April 27 – May 2, 2012.

At the start of the meeting the board was given a presentation from students and teachers who are taking part in the Ray Borane Middle School – Douglas Middle School Alternative Program (DMAP).

Superintendent Sheila Rogers reminded the board about the DUSD 2012 Outstanding Educator Reception for teachers, administrators, support staff and parent volunteers which will take place this Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. at the Douglas Visitors Center.

The board will meet again April 17 at 5:30 in the DUSD’s Administration Building.