Norwin youth sports teams and community groups will pay more to use school district facilities starting in the 2027-28 school year under a fee schedule the school board approved unanimously this week.

The board hiked the rates without discussion for the use of gymnasiums, ball fields, the swimming pool and the performing arts center. District officials noted there has not been an increase since 2018; the new revenue is intended to offset rising maintenance, utility and general cleaning costs.

Under the approved schedule, community charitable organizations will pay nearly 300% more than youth sports leagues for the stadium, fields, pool and gym. Noncharitable groups face even steeper hikes — in some cases 700% more than what community groups pay for the same spaces.

The board did refine the plan following feedback from local organizations, capping annual increases at 3% instead of 5% beginning in the 2029-30 school year.

“After meeting with and listening to our youth organizations, the board and administration refined the updated facilities fee schedules to reflect their feedback, ensuring our spaces remain accessible, financially sustainable and supportive of the programs that positively impact Norwin’s students,” Superintendent Natalie McCracken said.

However, some local sports leaders remain concerned about the long-term impact on families.

Ryan Baird, vice president of the Norwin Basketball Association, thanked the district for maintaining current rates through the 2026-27 school year but warned that future gymnasium rental hikes could “price some families out of youth basketball … and that would be a true loss.”

Baird estimated that the cost of renting facilities for a single basketball season could jump from $12,000 to $35,000 over the next five years. According to his analysis, the $7-per-hour gymnasium fee will triple to $21 in five years and reach $28 in 12 years. He contended the mandatory 3% annual increase is unnecessary and called for a more detailed cost analysis.

Matthew Bilinsky, president of the Norwin Girls Youth Basketball Association, added that while the groups “won’t ever agree on pricing,” he believes local sports leagues should be able to use the facilities for free.

In contrast, Stanley Gorski, president of Norwin Youth Football and Cheer, said the process for increasing fees at Norwin Knights Stadium was handled “respectively and responsibly.” The football association will pay approximately $1,600 to reserve the stadium for an entire season of Sundays once its $25 million renovation is completed in 2027.

While many rates are rising, some charges for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years will remain flat, including a $250 charge for stadium lights and a $100 daily scoreboard fee. Using the remodeled performing arts center will cost $28 an hour in 2027-28, rising to $39 the following year.

In other business, the board hired Colby Kelly as an assistant high school principal. Kelly, who started her new role Feb. 17, replaces Brandon Kash, who resigned Jan. 30.

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