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Schools

Rental Rates, Solar Panels Going Up at Darien Schools

Meanwhile, the fields at Darien High School are in poor shape from heavy rainfall and use by athletic teams, according to the district's facilities director.

The following is a roundup of items from the Board of Education's meeting on Tuesday, May 24.

Facility Rental Rates Climbing

Because of escalating utility costs, adminstrators are increasing the rates charged to outside groups for the use of school facilities.

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Hans Otto, the district's director of facilities and operations, said the hourly rental rates are being raised by 2 percent and hourly utility rates by 3.5 percent. The changes will take effect July 1.

The school district distinguishes between local nonprofit organizations and business in determining rates. It specifies rates for gymnasiums, cafeterias, classrooms, and other facilities at , , and the town's elementary schools.

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To rent one hour at DHS auditorium, for example, the district charges a nonprofit $87.25 and a commercial entity $217.25. The heating rate is uniform at $54 per hour, and the air conditioning rate is also uniform at $17.74 per hour.

Athletic Fields in Poor Shape

DHS's fields are in poor condition from a combination of heavy rainfall and use by athletics teams, Otto said Tuesday.

“Looking at the spring sports season, it is tough to groom in the spring,” Otto said. “We get time in the summer, but that it not the prime grooming season.”

Board member Morgan Whittier raised concerns about the athletic fields being overused and wondered how to respond. He asked if a field could be placed off-limits for season “to allow it to breathe.”

“We have had casual conversations” about that possibility, Otto said.

Solar Panels Going Up at DHS, Ox Ridge

Otto said Tuesday that he met recently with the company installsing solar panels on the roof of DHS and .

“Once they finish at the high school, they will move to Ox Ridge, hopefully in the second week of June,” he said. 

The walkway between the DHS gymnasium and the school's C-Wing is closed as the installation work is performed, according to a note from principal Dan Haron.

The Board of Education in September of last year.

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