4260 Use of School Facilities

The Board subscribes to the belief that public schools are owned and operated by and for its patrons. The public is encouraged to use school facilities, but shall be expected to reimburse the district for such use to insure that funds intended for education are not used for other purposes. On recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board shall set the rental rates schedule.

 

The Superintendent is authorized to establish procedures for use of school facilities, including rental rates, supervisory requirements, restrictions, and security. Those using school facilities shall maintain insurance for accident and liability covering persons using the district’s facilities under the sponsorship of the organization. Community athletic programs that use district facilities shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex in the operation, conduct, or administration of their programs. Additionally, youth organizations engaged in sports activities and using school facilities must provide a statement of compliance with the policies for the management of concussion and head injury in youth sports as required by RCW 28A.600.

 

For rental rate purposes, organizations seeking the use of school facilities have been divided into five categories. Rental rates for each group are provided in the established procedure for facility use. The five groups are:

 

This category includes all district sports, both varsity and junior varsity, music programs, in-house school events, and all other district programs for students and staff. 

 

This category is for all school based clubs with primarily Franklin Pierce School District students as members. The Summit Parkland Youth Association falls within this category and is under the umbrella of Franklin Pierce Schools.

 

This category includes all district sponsored recreation leagues, non-profit groups: i.e., PTA, Booster Clubs, Scouts, and charitable organizations along with inter-local agreements such as Pierce County Parks and other school districts. This group includes the organizations whose main purpose is to promote the welfare of boys and girls and also allows opportunities for civic participation. Charitable organizations must provide evidence that they are registered and bonded by the State of Washington and are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

This group is limited to adult groups, religious institutions, and political groups. 

 

This category is limited to commercial/for profit groups, which includes business-related enterprises. While the district would prefer these organizations use commercial or private facilities, facilities may be rented for non-regular use.

 

District-sponsored activities including curricular and co-curricular functions retain first priority in use of facilities. Authorization for use of school facilities shall not be considered as endorsement of approval of the activity group or organization, nor for the purposes it represents. 

 

All organizations requesting use of a school facility must agree to and sign the required form which outlines the general rules for each occurrence. These rules address application, insurance and liability, the district’s right to revoke approved use, the presence of a custodian, decorations and alterations, weapons, tobacco, intoxicants, drugs, disorderly conduct, and field use.

 

 

 

Legal References:

RCW 28A.320.510 Night schools, summer schools, meetings, use of facilities for

RCW 28A.335.150 Permitting use and rental of play-grounds, athletic fields, or athletic facilities

RCW 28A.335.155 Use of buildings for youth programs — Limited immunity

AGO 1973 No. 26, Initiative No. 276  School districts — Use of school facilities for presentation of programs — Legislature — Elections

 

Adoption Date: 9/8/81

Franklin Pierce Schools

Revised: 6/19/01; 10/14/08; 5/11/10

Classification: Essential