Application for Use of Facilities
Any person applying for the use of any school facilities or grounds on behalf of any society, group, or organization shall present written authorization from the group or organization to make the application.
Persons or organizations applying for the use of school facilities or grounds shall submit a facilities use statement indicating that they uphold the state and federal constitutions and do not intend to use school premises or facilities to commit unlawful acts.
Civic Center Use
Subject to district policies and regulations, school facilities and grounds shall be available to citizens and community groups as a civic center for the following purposes: (Education Code 32282, 38131)
1. Public, literary, scientific, recreational, educational, or public agency meetings
2. The discussion of matters of general or public interest
3. The conduct of religious services for temporary periods, on a one-time or renewable basis, by any church or religious organization
4. Child care programs to provide supervision and activities for children of preschool and elementary school age
(cf. 5148 - Child Care and Development)
(cf. 5148.2 - Before/After School Programs)
(cf. 5148.3 - Preschool/Early Childhood Education)
5. The administration of examinations for the selection of personnel or the instruction of precinct board members by public agencies
6. Supervised recreational activities, including, but not limited to, sports league activities that are arranged for and supervised by entities, including religious organizations or churches, and in which youth may participate regardless of religious belief or denomination
7. A community youth center
(cf. 1020 - Youth Services)
8. Mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare
(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)
(cf. 3516 - Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness Plan)
9. A ceremony, patriotic celebration, or related educational assembly conducted by a veterans' organization
A veterans' organization means the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, United Spanish War Veterans, Grand Army of the Republic, or other duly recognized organization of honorably discharged soldiers, sailors, or marines of the United States, or any of their territories. (Military and Veterans Code 1800)
10. Other purposes deemed appropriate by the Board of Trustees
Restrictions
School facilities or grounds shall not be used for any of the following activities:
1. Any use by an individual or group for the commission of any crime or any act prohibited by law
2. Any use which is inconsistent with the use of the school facilities for school purposes or which interferes with the regular conduct of school or school work
3. Any use which involves the possession, consumption, or sale of alcoholic beverages or any restricted substances, including tobacco
(cf. 3513.3 - Tobacco-Free Schools)
However, the Superintendent or designee may approve the use of district facilities for special events that may involve the acquisition, possession, use, or consumption of alcoholic beverages when the event is covered by a special events permit pursuant to Division 9 of the Business and Professions Code and will occur at a time when students are generally not on the school grounds. (Business and Professions Code 25608)
Any such use of school facilities shall be subject to any limitations that may be necessary to reduce risks to the district and ensure the safety of participants, as determined by the Superintendent or designee. Applicable limitations shall be clearly stated in the facility use agreement to be signed by the user's representative.
The district may exclude certain school facilities from nonschool use for safety or security reasons.
Damage and Liability
Groups, organizations, or persons using school facilities or grounds shall be liable for any property damage caused by the activity. The district may charge the amount necessary to repair the damages and may deny the group further use of school facilities or grounds. (Education Code 38134)
Any group or organization using school facilities or grounds shall be liable for any injuries resulting from its negligence during the use of district facilities or grounds. The group shall bear the cost of insuring against this risk and defending itself against claims arising from this risk. (Education Code 38134)
Groups or organizations shall provide the district with evidence of insurance against claims arising out of the group's own negligence when using school facilities. (Education Code 38134)
As permitted, the Superintendent or designee may require a hold harmless agreement and indemnification when warranted by the type of activity or the specific facilities being used.
Regulation HART-RANSOM UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: January 14, 2016 Modesto, California