Facilities Rental Webinar: Financial Sustainability

The webinar, hosted by Sublr, focused on helping schools unlock financial sustainability through smarter facility rentals. The session featured Larry Pittman, CFO and COO of Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, who shared more than 20 years of independent school leadership experience and his background in U.S. Army Special Operations.

Pittman emphasized that schools have limited revenue levers—tuition, fundraising, endowments, and auxiliary programs—and facility rentals fall into the latter. By strategically renting underutilized assets, schools can generate meaningful revenue while expanding community engagement and visibility. Beyond income, rentals introduce the broader public to the school’s mission and culture. Athletic fields and performing arts centers are common assets, but opportunities vary by campus.

He highlighted memorable partnerships, including youth sports leagues and organizations supporting foster care, as examples of how rentals can enhance both finances and mission alignment. Transparency and communication are essential for building internal buy-in, ensuring faculty, staff, and families see rentals as mission-supportive rather than disruptive.

Pittman advised schools to set clear policies, pricing structures, and contracts. Pricing should account for market comparisons and hidden costs like security and custodial staff. Risk management is critical, requiring renters to carry insurance equal to the school’s coverage. Flexibility is important, but school needs must always come first.

Ultimately, rental income not only funds facilities upkeep and replacement but also enhances student experiences. Looking ahead, Pittman sees technology platforms like Sublr as essential for streamlining scheduling, pricing, and contracts, helping schools maximize both revenue and mission impact.