 |
|
|
|
|
| Home > Community > Fees > Facility Rental > Public Use Policy |
 |
| Public Use Policy for School Facilities |
|
|
School facilities are provided primarily for the education of students and that use will always be given first priority. District facilities are available for community use when the activity is consistent with the best interests of the District and does not interfere with the regular conduct of the educational program.
Since school district financial resources are limited and the community use of facilities can result in significant costs, the District may recover some or all of these costs pursuant to Education Code Section 38134.
Administrative Procedure
- The Associate Superintendent, Business Services is responsible for the coordination and interpretation of Board policies and procedures and the determination of a fee schedule for the use of facilities.
- Priority for the use of facilities is as follows:
- School and school-sponsored groups, clubs, and student body organizations
- School-connected groups (e.g. PTA, Booster clubs, employee bargaining units and/or organizations)
- Departments or agencies of local municipal governments
- Community organizations formed for educational, political, economic, artistic, and moral interests of the citizens of the community
- Other approved groups
- When custodial services are not required beyond normally scheduled duties, the following groups may use District facilities, other than pools, without charge for meetings, recreational activities, and District fund raising activities:
School Clubs
Boy Scouts
Girl Scouts
Campfire Girls
Parent Teachers Association
Recognized Employee Associations
- Groups and organizations whose activities are open to the general public and whose net receipts, fees, and contributions are expended for the welfare of the pupils of Palo Alto Unified School District or for charitable purposes may be charged a facility use fee which will not exceed direct costs. Church and religious activities are charged an amount at least equal to the District's direct costs (Ed. Code 38134). All other activities are charged an amount not to exceed fair rental value.
- Any group, including groups listed in #3 above, requesting the use of District facilities must complete and submit the District's facility use application.
- The school building administrator or Deputy Superintendent determines the appropriateness of granting the use of the facility to the requesting group.
- The school building administrator or Deputy Superintendent is authorized to insist upon appropriate security and supervision of all activities held in District facilities.
- School keys must remain in the possession of authorized school district employees. Buildings will be opened, attended, and closed by an authorized employee of the District.
- The applicant must agree to hold Palo Alto Unified School District, its Board of Education, the individual members thereof, and all district officers, agents, and employees free and harmless from any loss, damage, liability, cost or expense that may arise out of or be caused in any way by the applicant's use of district facilities. (Please refer to contract for specific language.) The user must furnish proof of liability or other insurance for the protection of the public and the school district as the school district agent may require.
- Users are responsible for the condition in which they leave the facilities. Any breakage, damage, or loss of District property must be paid for by the applicant. Costs will be determined by the Deputy Superintendent in cooperation with the building administrator. Failure to pay promptly for such damage is grounds for denial of future school facility use.
- No alcoholic beverages in any form may be brought onto school district property. Any person under the influence of alcohol will be denied participation in any activity. Violation of this regulation is justification for immediate termination of the event, and reason enough to deny future use of school facilities.
- Smoking or the use of tobacco products is not allowed on school district property. This includes school buildings and grounds, even when school is not in session. Authorized agents for a group using school district property are responsible for enforcing this policy. (Refer to back page of contract for details.)
- Use of school playing fields is not permitted while it is raining, or if the field is wet and such activity will be harmful to the playing surface, and when such conditions may present a safety hazard to users.
- An approved application may be revoked with reasonable notice when school facilities are needed for school purposes.
- No facility use permit will be granted for a period exceeding one year.
- User agrees not to discriminate against anyone on any basis pursuant to state and federal law.
If you have questions, contact Victoria Geen-Lew at (650) 329-3735.
Revised May 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|