I. General Policies
A. The use of school buildings or grounds shall be approved by the Assistant Superintendent – Support Services. Application forms may be secured on the district website. Fees shall be determined in accordance with established schedules. No fees shall be charged to any school related organization group approved by the Board of Education. The Board of Education shall have final authority in interpreting Board Policy and settling disputes regarding eligibility of non-school groups’ use of district facilities.
B. Approval of use of school facilities for other than school purposes shall be given only for activities of such character, type or nature that:
- Will not interfere or conflict with regular school programs.
- Involve no expense to the Board of Education not contemplated in the budget.
- Will not be harmful to the facility in any way.
- Does not advocate any doctrine or theory subversive to the laws or Constitution of the State of Missouri.
- Does not advocate social or political change by violence or overthrow of our state or federal government.
- Does not discriminate as to its membership or to those who may indicate that proper supervision will be supplied.
- Are not of a highly controversial character.
II. Permits
A. All requests for use of school facilities must be in writing on forms provided. Requests must be made through the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Support Services at least five days prior to the time of requested use.
B. No permits will be issued by telephone.
C. In the event of a change in the school schedule, the school shall have first priority on the use of the school facilities and any agreement made will be contingent on the needs of the school program and such agreement may be terminated or altered at any time by the school district.
D. The permit is only for the date(s) specified and for the purpose named in the permit.
E. A permit is not transferable.
III. Responsibility and Supervision
A. No building may be used unless a certified school supervisor(s) and/or a school custodian are present. The amount of such supervision shall be determined by the school principal. The supervisor(s) and the school custodian are to be employees of the school district.
B. Each group and/or organization must be accompanied by at least one adult (21 years of age or older) who has been placed in charge and who is responsible for the actions for the group. The group’s adult-in-charge will be required to arrive prior to the gathering of persons and will be required to arrive prior to the gathering of persons and will remain until all persons leave and the condition of the facility is properly checked.
C. The organization shall agree to pay for all damages or loss to property beyond ordinary wear. In the event of damage to school property, all costs must be paid by the organization before any further permits will be approved or honored.
D. The school district does not assume any liability due to accidents either by participants or other persons during the time of organization use.
E. It is recommended that anyone participating in physical activities undergo a physical examination prior to participation.
IV. Limitations
A. Use of school facilities shall be restricted to responsible organizations that have members or serve members who are residents of the school district.
B. All groups will be expected to conform to fire regulations. There will be no smoking in school buildings or on school grounds and use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, profane language, or gambling on school premises is prohibited.
C. No food, drink or vending machines shall be allowed on school property unless prior approval has been granted.
D. Building use will generally be restricted to the hours between school dismissal and 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Any change in the forgoing hours must have prior approval by the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Support Services.
E. Buildings will be closed to non-school groups on all other days when school is not in session including summer and inclement weather days.
F. District playgrounds and practice fields are only available from dawn to dusk.
G. Use of school equipment shall not be granted unless approval is received from the building principal and such equipment is properly supervised by an employee of the district.
H. When school kitchens are used, a cafeteria employee shall be present to supervise the use of equipment. Organizations desiring to serve meals must receive permission and will be billed for the employee’s hours.
I. No apparatus or equipment shall be brought into the school building except upon written permission of the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Support Services.
J. If a facilities usage request is canceled, it is the responsibility of the contact person to cancel at least 48 hours in advance or the deposit may be retained by the district.
