The Board of Education does permit the use of the buildings, grounds and other property of the district, when not in use for school business, for many purposes (see public use of school facilities below).

The district’s school buildings and grounds are maintained primarily for the purpose of educating students and supporting school-related activities within the district.  The Board of Education recognizes, however, that they are a valuable community resource that should be available for specific uses, to the extent that such uses will not interfere with school district activities.  This policy is intended to identify the uses that community groups may make of those facilities when not in use by the district and the terms and conditions for such use.

Permitted Uses

 When not in use for school activities and subject to the conditions set forth, the Board of Education will permit the use of buildings, grounds, and other facilities of the district for any of the following purposes: 

·        For instruction in any branch of education, learning or the arts.

 ·     For social, civic and recreational meetings and entertainments, and other uses pertaining to the welfare of the community; providing such uses are nonexclusive and open to the general public.

 ·        For meetings, entertainments and occasions where admission fees are charged, and the proceeds thereof are to be expended for an educational or charitable purpose within the geographic boundaries of the school district.  However, such use shall not be permitted if such meetings, entertainments and occasions are under the exclusive control of, and the said proceeds are to be applied for the benefit of a society, association or organization of a religious sect or denomination, or of a fraternal, secret or exclusive society or organization other than organizations of veterans of the armed forces of the United States and organizations of volunteer fire/ambulance workers.

 ·    For meetings of district employee associations to the extent and within the conditions as outlined in employee contracts.

  ·For polling places for holding primaries and elections and for the registration of voters.  However, such use shall not be permitted for meetings sponsored by political organizations.

 ·        For recreation, physical training, and athletics involving children of the district, including competitive athletic contests with children from outside the district.

 ·        To provide child care services for children of the district during non-school hours.

Conditions of Use for District Facilities

1.  Use of district facilities may be permitted unless such facilities are in use for school purposes.  The district reserves exclusive and non-reviewable judgment to determine if a requested use would interfere with or disturb the district’s educational programs.

2.  Use of district facilities will be permitted only when the applicant agrees to pay the district a use fee according to a schedule adopted by the district to cover costs associated with building use and coordination.  Use is further conditioned upon the applicant’s agreement to pay additional fees associated with the use of any additional services or equipment.  The district retains the right to waive use fees for groups that are associated with or sponsored by the district.

 3.  When, in the judgment of the district, the requested use of district facilities requires additional supervision or special equipment, the district reserves the right to require payment of additional fees in accordance with paragraph #2 above.  Only authorized personnel shall operate district equipment.

4.  The applicant will be required, as a condition of the use of facilities, to defend the district and hold it harmless against any liability or loss arising out of the organization’s use of the facilities.  Consistent with this requirement, the applicant must provide the district, in a timely manner in advance of use of the facilities, with acceptable evidence of insurance coverage (Certificate of Insurance) of not less than $2,000,000 general aggregate and $1,000,000 per occurrence with the district named as additional insured.

5.  The district may deny use of buildings, grounds, and other facilities of the district or terminate a license if:

- an applicant has previously misused or abused district facilities or property or has violated this policy;

- in the judgment of the district, the use could reasonably be expected to, or actually does, give rise to a riot or public disturbance;

- the use is deemed inconsistent with this policy;

- the use is by a private for-profit entity that has the direct or indirect effect of promoting its products or services; 

- any prohibited conduct is exhibited as listed in the district’s Code of Conduct for Maintenance of Order on School Property (Board of Education Policy 5210) and included in Regulation 1500 R;

- the use is prohibited by law.

Adopted: July 7, 1988

Revised:  July 13, 2004