TITLE:  Community Use of School Facilities/Grounds                                            CODE H3

 

Our school building and school grounds were obtained through public funds and belong to the people within the Town of Dummerston.  The time during which school facilities lie idle represents no return on the public’s very great investment of funds, time and energy.  The more use the facilities receive, the better the return on the investment.

 

The primary purpose for school facilities is non-profit, educational use directed by the School Board.  Such usage must be given first priority.  When these uses are satisfied, such other uses for the facilities should be approved as will not interfere with the school program or violate the public vested interest.  All facility use shall be in accordance with School Board Policy H3 (Community Use of School Facilities).

 

The Principal is authorized to approve and schedule the use of the school facility by community organizations, groups, and individuals.

 

When necessary, any approval may be rescinded when it conflicts with the proper needs of the school program (first priority on use of the school facility is for school purposes).

 

The Principal is authorized to reject any application for use of the school facility for any activity which, in the judgment of the Principal, is not in accordance with the philosophy and purposes of the school program or which would induce excessive wear and tear upon school property.

 

Charges

 

To arrive at a fair use charge, we must consider such factors as costs of heat and electricity, depreciation and custodial services required, as well as the nature of the group or organization.

 

It is proposed that three (3) categories of groups be recognized as follows:

 

Group I            Community; Informal group/non-profit, i.e., men’s basketball league

 

            Group II           Community; Formal group or organization, i.e., Green Mt. Squares

 

Group III          Other Groups; Business (for profit), religious group, non-community organization or group

 

The fee structure for the groups shall be as follows:

 

Per Use (up to three hours)

 

Group I            No charge

 

Group II           $ 20.00

 

Group III          $ 40.00

 

Additional times and special event rates will be set by the Principal.

 

The charges shall be reviewed annually and if adjustments are needed, they shall be approved by the School Board upon the recommendation of the Principal.

 

Annual Building Use Contracts may be entered into with the approval of the Principal, the annual fee to be established in advance of the final approval of the use agreement.

 

A Building Use Contract shall be completed for all building use.

 

Formal and private business organizations or groups must:

 

§         Provide the District with proof of insurance (via a certificate of insurance) for liability and property damage and comply with all federal and state regulations and local policies that govern school functions and use;

 

§         Ensure that prior approval is received before signs, banners, and pennants are erected, and that they do not deface school property;

 

§         Provide required number of chaperons for children (one adult per 15 or less);

 

§         Ensure that the number of attendees does not exceed the authorized capacity of the facility;

 

§         Ensure that participant's vehicles are parked only in areas designated for parking;

 

§         Ensure that usage and users are restricted to assigned areas;

 

§         Allow food and drink only in areas designated for eating and only after receiving permission in advance of the event;