Code: KF

BOOTHBAY-BOOTHBAY HARBOR C.S.D. COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

The primary function of school facilities is to serve the educational needs of students in our school unit. The Board of Trustees wishes to make these facilities available for broader community use when they are not in use for school purposes. The Board of Trustees retains the right at all times to make individual decisions regarding the use of school facilities, but generally facilities will be made available in accordance with this policy.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for the overall implementation of this policy and for developing any necessary administrative procedures concerning facility use as long as they are consistent with this policy. The Director of Maintenance and/or the Building Administrator is responsible for administering this policy and shall report to the Superintendent.

A. Priority Order of School Facilities Use School facilities will be made available to users in the following priority order:

1) School educational programs and sanctioned extracurricular activities (these uses take precedence over all other uses);

2) Community groups will also be granted reasonable, free use of school facilities Service groups and nonprofit organizations serving students in the school unit;

3) Non-student related service groups and non-profit organizations located in the school unit;

4) Private groups located in the school unit and citizens who reside in the school unit;

5) Non-resident groups and individuals;

6) Profit-making businesses/groups. Exceptions to this priority order may be made in the event of a weather or civil emergency when school buildings are required for official emergency management use.

B. Prohibited Activities The following general prohibitions apply to all outside users of school facilities. Other activities may be prohibited on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools.

1) No school facility shall be made available to any group or individual advocating unconstitutional or illegal acts.

2) No school facility shall be made available for any activities that are, in the opinion of the Superintendent of Schools, contrary to the best interests of the school unit or the welfare of its employees and/or students.

3) No school facility shall be made available in violation of any local, state or federal laws.

4) No school facility shall be made available for any purpose that may present a risk of damage to school buildings, grounds or equipment.

5) Possession or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs on school property is prohibited.

6) Use of tobacco products is prohibited on school property.

C. Conditions of Use The following general conditions apply to all outside users of school facilities. Any additional conditions applicable to particular facilities will be provided at the time of application for facility use

1) The school unit assumes no liability for any damage or loss to non-school property resulting from the use of school facilities.

2) Proof of adequate liability insurance or financial resources may be required, depending upon the particular use.

3) Applicants must complete a facility use application and agreement 14 days prior to the date of use, which contains a release and indemnity provision and comply with all administrative procedures for reserving school facilities.

4) Organizations and groups must designate a specific person responsible for the event. The person responsible for any facility use must be over the age of 21.

5) Facilities must be used only for the approved purpose.

6) Any event advertising must make clear that the event is not school-sponsored and will include the disclaimer stated on the facility use agreement form in all advertising. If this disclaimer is not included in advertising, the event will be cancelled.

7) Users must comply with all life safety code requirements and school safety rules.

8) All Board policies, procedures and school rules remain in effect during any facility use.

9) The Superintendent of Schools reserves the right to require that school personnel (such as custodians, kitchen staff or others) be present during an event. Any such costs shall be borne by the user.

10) Users are responsible for maintaining appropriate supervision, order and security during the event. The Board/designee reserves the right to require that security or police personnel be present during an event. Any such costs shall be borne by the user.

11) Authorized school staff retains the right to access all school facilities during all events.

12) All facilities and equipment must be left in the condition in which they were received. The user shall be responsible for any clean-up and/or equipment repair or replacement costs incurred as a result of the facility use.

The Board shall approve a fee schedule for use of school facilities. This fee schedule shall be reviewed by the Superintendent and the Director of Maintenance on an annual basis, and any recommendations for changes brought to the Board for action.

D. Policy Violations Users who violate this policy may be required to vacate the facility immediately and may, at the discretion of the Superintendent, be barred from future facility use.

E. Appeals In the event that use of school facilities is denied or revoked, the applicant or user may appeal the decision in writing to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent’s decision is final.

Legal Reference: Title 20A MRSA, Sec. 1001

Facilities Use Form: Facilities Use Form - Public Use

Adopted: 6-11-86

Revised: 8-11-94

Revised: 11-8-06

Revised: 12-6-06