CHESTERTON | Policies governing building use by community groups after school hours got some tweaking from the Duneland School Corp. board Monday

Director of Special Services Mark McKibben told the board that building use requests have grown substantially over the past 15 years, with some youth athletic organizations booking facilities five or more days of the week for most of the school year. The heavy booking in some cases has hindered schools' use of their own facilities, McKibben said.

The policy changes intend to deal with those situations and make the process more equitable, he said.

Organizations will be able to request building use only in 25-day advance increments, allowing school principals to schedule their events more easily through the year, McKibben said.

To help students better prepare for the week ahead, Sunday use of buildings by sports groups won't be allowed, except with board permission.

Rental charges will apply to nonschool organizations to cover costs of utilities and opening the buildings after hours.