Transforming Facility Rental Programs: Anaheim Union’s Revenue Share Success
In 2023, Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) embarked on a bold mission to reimagine its facility rental program, guided by the proven success of revenue share models like the one implemented at Torrance Unified School District. Under the leadership of Van Chu, AUHSD embraced a more collaborative and incentive-driven approach, recognizing that empowering individual schools with a share of rental revenue could unlock significant benefits for students, staff, and the community.
The revenue share model, as practiced at Torrance Unified, serves as a shining example of how aligning financial incentives with school-level needs can drive engagement and efficiency. At Torrance, site staff are deeply motivated to support facility rentals because they directly see the impact: funding for facility improvements, athletic equipment purchases, and custodial services. Inspired by this success, Chu championed a similar model at AUHSD, tailoring it to fit the unique needs of the district while ensuring all stakeholders—from school administrators to custodians—benefit from the program’s success.
A Proven Model: Torrance Unified’s Success
Torrance Unified School District’s facility rental program became a model for success by focusing on a revenue share structure. At Torrance, schools receive a percentage of the revenue generated from facility rentals, creating a direct incentive for site staff to actively participate and support rental operations. This approach has enabled schools to fund essential projects such as facility improvements, athletic equipment purchases, and custodial services, while fostering a sense of ownership and motivation among staff.
The benefits of this model extend beyond the schools, as community renters also experience improved service and availability. The combination of engaged staff and enhanced facilities has helped Torrance create a rental program that is both financially sustainable and community-friendly.
Bringing the Revenue Share Model to AUHSD
Inspired by Torrance’s example, AUHSD adopted a revenue share model designed to fit its unique needs. Recognizing that successful implementation required buy-in from all stakeholders, Chu introduced a three-tiered structure that allocated rental revenue to athletics, custodial services, and a general fund for non-athletic needs such as classroom upgrades and capital improvements. This balanced approach ensures that all departments involved in the program are fairly compensated, reinforcing the importance of their roles in supporting the district’s rental program.
“The key to a successful program is making sure everyone involved sees the value—both in their work and in the outcomes for students and the community,” said Van Chu. “When site staff, administrators, and community groups are aligned, we create a system where everyone wins.”
To further motivate staff, AUHSD introduced a system of transparency and collaboration. Sharing rental revenue data across schools created a sense of friendly competition, encouraging schools to maximize their efforts in hosting events. This transparency not only incentivized site staff but also highlighted the tangible benefits of participating in the program, driving greater enthusiasm and engagement.
The Results: Empowered Schools and Stronger Communities
The implementation of the revenue share model has yielded impressive results at AUHSD, benefiting schools, staff, and the community:
Financial Incentives for Schools
Schools now have the flexibility to allocate funds to projects that matter most. For example, one middle school is using its share of rental revenue to transform its cafeteria into a “cafetorium” with modern upgrades to lighting and AV equipment, enhancing both student experiences and community engagement.
Improved Community Relationships
With streamlined processes and more motivated staff, AUHSD has made it easier for community groups to rent facilities. This has strengthened relationships with local organizations and positioned the district as a true partner in community development.
Motivated and Appreciated Staff
By ensuring custodial and athletic departments receive a portion of the revenue, AUHSD has addressed a common challenge faced by many districts. Staff now feel their efforts are recognized and rewarded, resulting in a more collaborative work environment and greater buy-in to the program.
Best Practices for Implementing a Revenue Share Model
AUHSD’s success offers valuable lessons for other districts looking to adopt a revenue share model:
1) Tailor the Program to District Needs
Customize the revenue share model to align with the district’s unique priorities, such as facility conditions, community expectations, and department roles.
2) Engage Site Staff
Provide clear communication about the program’s benefits and ensure that principals, athletic directors, and custodial staff understand their critical roles in its success.
3) Foster Transparency and Collaboration
Sharing revenue data and encouraging friendly competition between schools can enhance participation and accountability.
4) Use Data to Drive Decisions
Leverage data to demonstrate the program’s impact and inform decisions about policy, pricing, and resource allocation.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Schools and Communities
AUHSD’s journey demonstrates the power of a revenue share model to transform facility rental programs. By aligning financial incentives with the needs of schools and site staff, the district has created a more motivated workforce, increased revenue, and fostered stronger ties with the community. The success of this approach offers a compelling blueprint for other districts seeking to modernize their facility rental programs and unlock the full potential of their spaces.
“Facilitron’s platform was instrumental in making this transformation possible,” said Van Chu. “The data we gathered not only showed Anaheim the revenue potential but also allowed us to streamline policy implementation, ensuring consistent practices across the district. It gave us the tools we needed to build trust and demonstrate the program’s impact.”
Through collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to shared success, AUHSD has shown how revenue share models can drive meaningful outcomes for schools, staff, and the broader community. The result is a thriving rental program that supports the district’s mission and creates lasting value for all stakeholders.