New AUSD Policy Raises Questions

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If an organization wants to host an event on any campus within the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD), it may cost quite a few dollars.

AUSD’s Board Policy 1330, also referred to as the Civic Center Outside User Policy, was edited in September 2009.

According to the newly modified policy, “school or school-related organizations” can use campuses without paying, as long as their activities do not interfere with the school day and are “directly related to or for the benefit of district schools and/or students.”

However, if a club’s event is affiliated with outside users, they will have to pay, a rule that would affect organizations like the Mighty Moor Marching Band, Yearbook and Academic Decathlon.

“Part of the reason [for changing the policy] was to offset the cost of maintaining facilities, because they are overused and often abused. We have to be able to keep what [money] we have, [by placing fees on outside users],” said Assistant Principal of Business and Activities Jeremy Infranca.

For example, The Moor newspaper would be charged if it held the East Los Angeles Journalism Education Foundation (ELAJEA) write-offs as it did last March.

Now, it is not considered a school-related activity, because they are sponsored by ELAJEA, which is not a school organization.

“It’s not that The Moor is an outside user, but because [ELAJEA] has no connection to AHS,” said Infranca.

Similarly, the Southern California Speech and Debate League sponsors Speech and Debate tournaments and is considered an outside user.

Consequently, If the team chose to hold tournaments this year, it would cost about 4,000 dollars each time.

“It’s a double-edged sword for [us]. It’s less work holding a tournament, but we have to order buses [to go to the other schools.] We have been hosting Fall Debate for years. We’re hoping we can hold it [at AHS] next year,” said Speech and Debate adviser Kevin Tong.

School-related activities are given priority over non-school affiliated groups. However, youth groups, such as the Boy Scouts of America and Parent-Teacher Associations can also use any school campus without being billed.

“I like tournaments at AHS because it’s more convenient,” said Speech and Debate member Ivtiy Hong.

According to Tong, Superintendent Donna Perez will be revisiting the policy this summer.

this summer,” said Tong.