Lacey keeps agreement with two local school districts

LACEY –– City officials approved an agreement with North Thurston Public Schools and Tumwater School District to use city facilities.

The City of Lacey has maintained a long-term agreement with North Thurston Public Schools and the Tumwater School District to facilitate joint use of district and city indoor and outdoor spaces since 1974. That agreement has continued since then to focus on cost-sharing for district use of city outdoor facilities, sharing maintenance and operational cost for the joint use of the swimming pools in three of the district high schools. 

“The district and city review field rental fee rates, revenue, district expenses, and administrative expenses annually to ensure the cost sharing is equitable,” said Jennifer Burbidge, Lacey’s parks and recreation director. 

According to the city documents, as of Aug. 26, the city receives approximately $40,000 annually and keeps 10 percent for direct and administrative costs, and reimburses the district the remainder. School field rental rates range from $3.25 to $8.65 per hour depending on elementary, middle, and high school and also the type of field. 

“The partnership has served us well in the past,” Burbidge said. “In addition to the athletics and aquatics program, it has helped us host multiple cultural events and day care camps.” The current agreement for pool operation is in effect from Sept. 1, 2018, through Aug. 31, 2020, with a cost-share of $105,000 per year.