By Jeremy A. Corley

Managing Editor

The Van Alstyne school board approved a policy regarding nonresident students and heard a request from a parent to reduce stadium usage fees during Monday's regular meeting.

The board addressed the section of the district's admissions policy that allows for students to attend Van Alstyne schools without paying tuition if they receive "significant" after-school care from grandparents who live within the district boundaries.

Superintendent Dr. Alan Seay recommended the board define "significant" as two hours per day, five days per week, which would be similar to other area districts.

Board member Kim Weber said she believed the definition should be more stringent and made a motion to approve the policy with a requirement of four hours per day, five days per week.

The board unanimously approved the policy.

During citizens comments, board members heard a request from Van Alstyne Football League Commissioner Paul Proctor to lower the usage fee for Panther Stadium.

The fee is currently $1,500 per event, not including cleanup costs.

Proctor said other area school districts' rental fees are much cheaper, including: Anna, $0; Bonham, 0$; Celina, $10 per player for seasonlong access to all facilities; Gunter, $100 cleanup fee per host date; Princeton, percentage of light bill if lights are used; and Sanger, $300 per host date.

"We have more and more boys who can't afford to sign up," Proctor said. "We're doing everything in our power to make the cost of pee wee football as low as possible."

Board President David Kerr directed Seay and his staff to discuss the matter further with Proctor.

Also during Monday's meeting, the board:

Discussed a potential new contract with Energy for Schools that would have obligated the district to the group after the end of the current contract.

No action was taken on the item, so it failed.

Approved the hiring of a kindergarten teacher.

The board next's regular meeting will be Monday, Aug. 16, in the district administration meeting room.