KG Use of School Facilities by Non-School Groups

The Board of Education may allow use of school buildings and school grounds at reasonable times and reasonable rates to recognized community organizations whose activities are of general interest to the community and whose use of the school facility is for a community purpose. Use of any school facility or school grounds, however, shall not interfere with daily school use or school sponsored activity. School activities shall have first priority for facility use. No group or organization shall be allowed to use school facilities for private profit-making purposes. School-related organizations, such as parent-teacher associations, shall have priority over non-school related organizations. Non-school groups requesting use of facilities should consist of at least 25 percent Shawnee Heights district patrons. The Board delegates to the Superintendent and administrative staff, the authority and duty to consider and approve or disapprove requests for use of school facilities for non-school use according to this policy and applicable law. Shawnee Heights’ buildings will not be rented or utilized for weddings, funerals, non-school reunions, or other related activities. Any exceptions would require approval from the superintendent.

Adherence to Board Policies

As a condition to initial use of and continued access to district property and facilities, groups and/or organizations must follow Kansas law and Board policy prohibiting the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco on district property to ensure individuals in attendance refrain from using such substances on district property as well. Failure to abide by this provision may result in a revocation of facility use privileges.

Fees and Rental Charges

The Board shall establish reasonable fees for the use of any school facility or school grounds; fees will cover costs of wages of school personnel involved and utilities. The fee shall be approved by the Board and shall be reviewed annually.

Lease Arrangements

The Board of Education has authority to consider and approve or disapprove lease arrangements. Lease arrangements are considered for clubs and organizations who request the use of a building more than ten (10) times each year and who do not meet the 25 percent patron-use requirement.

Liability Insurance

Users may be required to obtain and pay for $1,000,000. general liability insurance coverage, including personal injury and property damage, for all persons who use or attend activities in this facility under an agreement. Shawnee Heights USD 450 shall be named as an additional insured under this policy. A valid certificate of insurance form shall be provided before a contract will be issued.

Supervision of Non-School Groups

Whenever any school facility is used by non-school groups or individuals, a school employee shall be on duty to see that the building and equipment are properly used. Youth and children’s groups using school facilities must be supervised by an adequate number of adult sponsors to assure proper care and use of school property. A custodian may not be required to be on duty when, in the principal’s opinion, it is not necessary. In this case, the sponsors and the principal accept full responsibility for the building’s use.

Insurance and/or Bonds

The Board, through is duly authorized agent, reserves the right to require bonds (cash or otherwise), insurance, or other damage deposits, acceptable to the Board before allowing usage of school facilities.

Termination Clause

The district has the authority to terminate the facility use agreement for the violation of any provision in the agreement, or for unforeseen circumstances.

Community Groups

The buildings and grounds of Unified School District No. 450 are available for use by tax- supported, non-profit, and community interest groups, not school related, at a nominal charge based on the cost of operation of the facilities to be used. The group using the facility should consist of at least 25 percent patrons of USD 450. Violations of this regulation will result in forfeiture of all remaining scheduled usage, all fees paid, and may prohibit any future scheduling of gymnasiums by the party who signed the contract. All facility rentals are divided into three groups.

Those of a recreational, civic, or educational nature:
- All meetings conducted as a part of the official activities of the school district (including PTO and Site Councils), will be allowed the use of school buildings without charge. All regularly scheduled meetings conducted as a part of the activities of scout groups, 4-H clubs, Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Department, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and the YMCA Primetime, not sponsored by the district, will also be allowed the use of the school buildings free.
- All other facility rentals falling within the first group above, whether an admission fee is charged or not, provided there is a reasonable assurance that the proceeds, when a fee is charged, will be used for the promotion, improvement, or betterment of the community, will be allowed the use of the school building upon payment of certain charges, which are composed essentially of the costs of janitorial services and utilities.
Those of a religious nature:
- The use of school facilities for non-school related religious groups will be allowed on the same basis as other community groups mentioned in #1(b) above. However, churches requesting gym rentals must follow the 25 percent patron participation guidelines.
Those of a political nature:
- No use of school facilities for political purposes will be allowed. Exception: Facilities may be used for election polls and non-partisan community information and election activities.