File: KF-R

LEVERETT SCHOOL COMMITTEE 

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

It is the School Committee's desire that maximum use of school property be enjoyed by the townspeople. It is the Committee's intent that such use will maintain safe conditions and preserve the property for school program use.

Use of school buildings and other facilities by organizations will be permitted only when a worthy educational, civic, or charitable purpose will be served; or a substantial group of citizens from the community will be benefited.

School facilities will be used according to the regulations and rental fee schedules recommended by the Principal and approved by the School Committee.

Permission for the use of facilities must be obtained through the Principal, where applications are available for this purpose.

PRIORITY OF USE

School affairs will always have the first priority for use of the building. The second priority for building use is children’s activities. Adult uses of the building will have the third priority.

Priority for use of school facilities will be considered in the following order:

1.         School activities
2.         Parent-teacher/staff activities 
3.         Meetings and activities sponsored by the School Committee, School Council and other school bodies or personnel regarding school-related activities
4.         Official town public hearings and municipal activities
5.         Other allowable activities, with priority for Leverett residents.

The school Principal shall maintain the schedule of building use and has the authority to make such revisions as may be appropriate to ensure that those with the highest priority for building use may have the building available to them.

Permitted Uses

District facilities may be used for the purposes listed below, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in this policy.

1. Instruction in any branch of education, learning or the arts.
2. Social, civic, and recreational meetings and entertainments, or other uses pertaining to the welfare of the community so long as such uses are non-exclusive and open to the general public.
3. Meetings, entertainment and occasions where admission fees are charged, when the proceeds are to be spent for an educational or charitable purpose.
4. Holding civic meetings and forums.
5. Physical training and athletics, including competitive athletic contests.
6. Child-care programs when school is not in session

Conditions of Use

1. Use of school facilities may be permitted unless such facilities are in use for school purposes, or during educational programs. The school reserves exclusive and non-reviewable judgment to determine if a requested use would interfere with or disturb the school’s educational programs or place undue burden on the school or its facilities.
2. Use of school facilities will be permitted only where the applicant agrees to pay the school a usage fee according to a schedule adopted by the school to cover the costs of heat, electricity, maintenance, custodial services and any other expenses associated with the requested use. Use is further conditioned upon the applicant’s agreement to pay additional fees associated with the use of any additional services or equipment. The school retains the further right to waive use fees for groups that are associated with or sponsored by the school.
3. Where, in the judgment of the school, the requested use of school facilities requires special equipment or supervision, the school reserves the right to deny such use, or in the alternative, to condition such use upon the applicant’s payment of additional fees in accordance with paragraph B above. Only authorized personnel shall operate school equipment.
4. The Administration reserves the discretion to deny use of school facilities described above or to terminate the use of school facilities: 1. By an applicant who has previously misused or abused school facilities or property or who has violated this policy; 2. For any use which, in the estimation of the Administration, could reasonably be expected to or actually does give rise to a riot or public disturbance; 3. For any use which the school administration deems inconsistent with this policy; 4. For any use by a private for-profit entity that has the direct or indirect effect of promoting the products or services of such entity; 5. In any instance where tobacco vapor/E-cigarettes, marijuana, alcoholic beverages or unlawful drugs are sold, distributed, consumed, promoted or possessed; 6. For any use prohibited by law.
5. All activities must be under competent adult supervision approved by the school administration. In situations where the kitchen is to be used, the adult supervision must also be approved by the Food Service Manager. The school may require the presence of a custodian, cafeteria worker or school employee to be present for an event, in which case the user shall be required to pay the school district an additional fee equal to the current hourly wage of each person whose presence is required to cover the cost of additional services or equipment. This decision shall be made by the school administration. There will be a three-hour minimum charge for each member required.
6. The number of persons in attendance at indoor events shall not exceed the seating capacity of the facility. Permits for the use of outdoor facilities will be cancelled if inclement weather threatens to damage the facility. The school administration retains the right to reject any application for facilities that are overused or deteriorating due to overuse.
7. School facilities may not be used for profit-making purposes that benefit neither educational nor charitable organizations.
8. Users of the facilities bringing equipment to the school must receive permission for its use. No displays may be attached to walls, curtains or other portions of the building or its furniture or equipment without the approval of the school Principal. No school furniture or equipment may be significantly moved, altered, adapted, modified or adjusted by any user unless with the prior knowledge and approval of the Principal. Such equipment must be returned to its original state by the user at the conclusion of the activity. Users are obligated to clean the area used so that it is at least as neat and clean as it was prior to use. School technology is only available for school-related activities, or at the discretion of the principal
9. The School Committee may require users of the building to obtain suitable insurance to protect the Town. Any users who damage school property may be required to pay the cost of repair or replacement of damaged property. Neither the Town nor the School Committee shall be considered responsible for injury to persons or property while the building is used by any outside group. Groups receiving permission are responsible at all times for the observance of fire and safety requirements.
10. Any person(s), group or organization using the building is responsible for following all applicable laws and regulations, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements where applicable.

FEE REQUIREMENTS

In situations where a mutual exchange of facilities and/or services is possible between the school system and the organization, rates may be modified or eliminated by administration. In situations where extended usage for a long period of time is requested, rates may be set at a contract price at the time of approval.

The School Committee shall approve and periodically review a fee schedule for use of school facilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Additional guidance regarding use of the facilities shall be outlined in procedures developed by the Administration and made available in written form to those seeking use of the facilities. The School Committee reserves the right to cancel any permission granted.

Reference:  Constitutional Law\

Edited by the Leverett Policy Committee:  11-04-19

First Reading by Leverett School Committee:  01-15-20

Second Reading, First Vote by Leverett School Committee:  02-03-20

Final Vote by the Leverett School Committee:  03-02-20