ADAMS TWP — Mars Area School District board members voted to amend a facility rental policy that otherwise would have sharply increased fees for Mars Cub Scout Pack 413.

The policy was amended to require a smaller mandatory percentage of the group to be composed of Mars Area School District students in order to qualify for a discounted rate.

At a March 1 school board meeting, a number of Cub Scout parents and Boy Scout students spoke on the topic of Policy 707, which defines certain classes of nonprofit community groups as qualifying for a discounted hourly facility rental rate based on whether they are composed of 90% or more of Mars district students.

Because Pack 413’s ratio of Mars students to outside students falls just under 90%, it would otherwise be subject to a sharp increase in costs from the current $15 an hour for rental to $135 an hour.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.