Conroe ISD trustees are considering a policy change that would allow teachers to rent campus space to provide paid tutoring services, a move district leaders say could support educators financially while potentially improving student outcomes.
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Conroe Independent School District is considering letting instructors rent campus space to tutor kids for profit. This idea addresses rising facility rental costs for the district.
District managers offered the proposal at a recent board meeting as a possible expansion of current procedures, which allow coaches conducting summer programs to rent facilities at lower rates. The trustees approved new rates in August 2024, resulting in an increase in rental costs in January.
The increases reduced the cost of renting district facilities to outside groups. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord advised trustees that Conroe ISD earned $488,677 in rental revenue from January to August 2024. These leases cost $638,894, leaving a $150,217 deficit.
“Our primary goal is to recoup our expenses,” McCord said, referring to staffing, electricity, and supplies. “We do not want to make money or lose money.”
Coaches offering summer camps receive discounted rental costs from the district, which McCord said benefits the children. He noticed an increased demand for a similar approach for teachers using district resources to tutor kids.
“We have received notice regarding the permission for teachers to use our facilities for profit-driven tutoring,” McCord said. “Historically, we have not engaged in that practice.”
McCord noted that decreased instructor rental rates should benefit students by lowering tutoring costs if trustees approve the idea.
“If we are going to implement reduced rates for teaching kids how to field a ground ball, I believe it would also be beneficial to consider reduced rates for SAT preparation,” he said.
Trustee Nicole May called the concept a win for teachers and students.
“I believe it would enhance student learning outcomes,” May said. “I wholeheartedly support teachers earning some extra income.”
District officials did not discuss tutoring program format, rental fees, or whether Conroe ISD kids may participate. Board permission is required for every change.
At the board's January meeting, trustees will re-evaluate the plan, and staff may submit more facts and policy wording. If approved, the idea would revolutionize the district's approach to allowing educators to use campus resources while maintaining financial viability and academic assistance.
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