Use of District Facilities, Policy No. 140

Printable PDF Board Policy 140

Standards for Use of District Facilities

The district will permit limited use of district facilities by outside entities for business or educational purposes. A fee may be charged for the use of facilities.

Providing every student with the best education possible is the primary function and responsibility of the board. Therefore, school-related functions will be given priority for use of school facilities.

Prohibited Use

District facilities will not be used for:

1.      Meetings which promote subversive teachings and doctrines contrary to the spirit of American institutions;

2.      Activities tending to cause unrest in the community, or which reflect upon or promote discrimination against citizens of the United States because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity, national origin, religion disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information;

3.      Any activity that may be destructive or injurious to the buildings, grounds, or equipment; or

4.      Any purpose in conflict with school objectives.

Responsibility of External Entities Using District Facilities

External entities using district facilities must adhere to the rules and regulations specified in the Facility Use Agreement and will be held responsible for the proper use of the building, for payment for the use of school facilities when applicable, for the conduct of persons attending the meeting, and will see to it that activities are confined to the areas requested and to the hours agreed upon in the agreement.  The external entity will indemnify the technology center for any theft, loss, or damage to school property over and above normal wear which might be expected from his/her use thereof, and will make prompt payment for such theft, loss or damage.  An indemnity bond or a deposit may be required if circumstances warrant.    The superintendent or his/her designee will be the judge of unwarranted damages to the school property.

No applicant may sublet any part of the building area named in the Facility Use Agreement.

External users of school property must assume responsibility for the safety and protection of the audience, workmen and participants to the extent required by law.  The superintendent has the right to require minimum limits of public liability and property damage insurance for all groups using any school facility and to require that there be evidence presented to the superintendent in the form of a certificate of insurance, showing Moore Norman Technology Center of Cleveland County, Oklahoma, as an additional named insured.

Cancellations

The district may cancel any agreement for use of district facilities whenever such action is deemed in the best interest of the district.  Such cancellations will be made only when unforeseen emergencies arise, and then with as much advance notice as possible.  Permission may be canceled by the superintendent or designee if conduct or infraction of regulations warrant.

Security

Uniformed officers must be on duty when so directed by the superintendent or designee.

Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco and Dangerous Weapons 

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages, low-point beer or controlled substances

(drugs) will not be permitted on school property.  Organizations using school property for any purpose are expected to comply with technology center policy concerning the use of tobacco.  

Dangerous weapons are prohibited on school property.  Individuals with a valid concealed handgun license must comply with applicable state and federal laws applicable to possession and storage of handguns on school property.  Handguns are restricted to a vehicle in the school’s parking lot and must not be brought onto any other school property or into school buildings, offices, or other structures, absent the written consent of the school’s superintendent.    

Individuals who have received prior permission from the administration may possess an inoperable weapon on the premises for participation in a school program, as long as the weapon remains inoperable while on district property and the individual uses the weapon in accordance with the permission granted.

Apparatus and Equipment

Requests to use public address systems, projection equipment and screens, spotlights, stage sceneries, pianos and so forth will be included in the Agreement.    Agreements which include additional equipment must include payment arrangements by the customer.   All such equipment and properties will be operated, moved, and controlled only by trained technology center staff or adjunct staff.

As a precaution against fire, no request will be granted for the use of lighted candles or other actual flame equipment in connection with building usage.

Classroom apparatus, such as shop, science, physical education, homemaking, business education, art laboratory, data processing equipment and athletic equipment which is regularly used for school instruction will not be available for use by non-school groups.

Kitchen Areas

No organization will have access to the kitchen areas unless specific permission is granted by the district for kitchen use by caterers.  Catering must be provided by an approved caterer. 

Parking Lots

Parking lots are provided for normal passenger vehicle parking with an agreement for use of district facilities. Parking areas are not reserved exclusively for groups using school buildings.  

Concessions

Concession rights at all school facilities are reserved for the district.  

Interpretation of the Policy and Procedures

The superintendent or designee shall interpret and enforce all provisions of this policy and related procedures.