Community groups shall be permitted and encouraged to use school facilities for worthwhile purposes when such uses will not interfere with the school program. All arrangements shall be subject to the following provisions:
Eligible organizations
Organizations connected with and promoting recognized school functions may use the buildings without charge.
Other organizations, [including the Boy Scouts of America, Big Sisters of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Future Farmers of America, Girl Scouts of America, Little League Baseball Inc. and any other group intended to serve youth under the age of 21 listed in Title 36 of U.S. Code] may use school property upon payment of suitable fees and costs, according to the fee schedule recommended by the superintendent and approved by the Board of Education. Rental or fees may be waived for charitable or other nonprofit organizations or groups by the Board.
Whenever a community group is permitted to use a school or other facility, at least one district employee must be on hand, paid for by the organization, when in the opinion of the Superintendent of Schools, it is necessary to supervise the individuals and protect school property. The number of paid employees shall depend on the type of service, number to be served and number of volunteer helpers.
Whenever a cafeteria is used, it shall be under the supervision of a school employee. The group using the facility shall reimburse the district for the salary of the employee.
No school building or facility shall be used for any purpose which could result in picketing, rioting, disturbing the peace or damage to property or for any purpose prohibited by law.
Rental charges and approval of use
Specific regulations for scheduling outside uses of school facilities shall be drawn up by the superintendent and approved by the Board. Fees for the use of school facilities shall be determined by the superintendent or designee based upon the rental charges and personnel fees approved by the Board.
All rentals of school facilities shall be approved by the superintendent or designee on the basis of this policy and its accompanying regulations. Any special requests or exception to policy and/or regulations must be approved by the Board.
Any individual, group or organization using school property as provided under this policy shall hold the Board of Education, individual Board members and all district officers, agents and employees free and harmless from any loss, damage, liability, cost or expense that may arise during or be in any way caused by such use or occupancy. When using school facilities, organizations may be required to furnish satisfactory liability insurance protection.
Adopted May 19, 1992
Revised November 18, 2003
Revised May 2, 2017
Revised April 24, 2018
Reviewed August 21, 2023
LEGAL REFS.: 20 U.S.C. 7905 (Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act)
C.R.S. 22-32-110 (1)(f)
CROSS REFS.: EDC, Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials or Equipment
JJA-2, Student Organizations - Open Forum