4260 Use of School Facilities

The board believes that public schools are owned and operated by and for the community. The public is encouraged to use school facilities but will be expected to reimburse the district for such use to ensure that funds intended for education are not used for other purposes.

The superintendent is authorized to establish procedures for use of school facilities, including rental rates, supervisory requirements, restrictions, and security. Those using school facilities will maintain insurance for accident and liability covering persons using the district’s facilities under the sponsorship of the organization.

The district does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

Community athletic programs that use district facilities will not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex in the operation, conduct, or administration of their programs. The district will provide copies of the district's nondiscrimination policy to all third parties using district facilities. 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 and sudden cardiac arrest awareness in youth sports as required by RCW 28A.600. The district will provide copies of the district’s nondiscrimination policy to all third parties using district facilities.

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

All organizations requesting use of a district facility must agree to and abide by the provided rules for each occurrence. 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.

For rental rate purposes, organizations seeking the use of school facilities have been divided into five categories.

Group A - District Programs and Co-Curricular Activities

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. To qualify for use of a district facility at no rental cost, the facility use must be for the organization itself and its own activities, not the unrelated activities of individual members of such organizations and not for events or activities of third parties affiliated with, promoted by, or sponsored by the organization. This group includes parent-teacher organizations, school booster clubs, WIAA district, league and state tournaments, associated student body, Communities in Schools, staff unions / associations, school site councils, and district convened advisory groups or committees, professional development for district staff which is managed by district staff.

Group B - Local Youth Non-Profit

This category includes local youth non-profit groups with 75% or more participation from students residing within FPS boundaries. These are social, recreational, and athletic groups. This group includes, but is not limited to, local youth athletic teams, Girl and Boy Scout groups, Campfire, 4H Club, SPYA, YMCA and YWCA and religious related youth groups. This category must provide a roster of more than 75% of students living within FPS district boundaries.

Group C – Youth Non-Profit

This category is for youth non-profit groups with 75% or less participation from students residing within FPS boundaries. These are social, recreational, and athletic groups.

Group D – Adult Non-Profit

This category includes adult non-profit community betterment groups, public agencies or other local groups formed to address community issues, and post-secondary institutions and community organizations: (cultural, political, sectarian, adult social / recreation clubs or teams, HOA organizations, community clubs, religious and other adult non-profit organizations).

Group E – Commercial / For Profit

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.

LEGAL REFERENCES
RCW 28A.230.180 Access to campus and student information directories by official recruiting representatives – Informing students of educational and career opportunities
RCW 4.24.660 Liability of school districts under contracts with youth programs
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
20 USC Sec. 7905 Boys Scout of America Equal Access Act
34 CFR Sec. 108.6 Equal Access to Public School Facilities For The Boy Scouts of America and Other Designated Youth Groups

AGO 1973 No. 26, Initiative No. 26 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; 9/24/24; 11/12/25
Classification: Critical