Policy

8:020 Community Use of School Facilities

Community Use of School Facilities

While our schools have been constructed primarily to educate students, the Board believes that its facilities should also serve as community centers for education, civic, cultural, and other uses consistent with the public interest, when such use does not interfere with school functions or the safety of students or employees.

School facilities are available to community organizations during non-school hours when such use does not: (1) interfere with any school function or affect the safety of students or employees, or (2) affect the property or liability of the School District.  The use of school facilities for school purposes has precedence over all other uses.  The District reserves the right to cancel previously scheduled use of facilities by community organizations and other groups.  The use of school facilities requires the prior approval of the Superintendent or designee and is subject to applicable procedures.

People on school premises must abide by the District’s conduct rules at all times.

The use of District facilities for personal or private parties is prohibited, including birthday celebrations, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions, memorial services, and similar activities.

Official student groups, including co- and extra-curricular programs are granted the use of school facilities at no cost.  School-related organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations may rent school facilities commensurate to the Board’s costs.  A fee schedule and other terms of use shall be prepared by the Superintendent and be subject to approval by the School Board.

Cross Reference: 

5:120 Employees Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

7:330 Student Use of Buildings – Equal Access

8:025 Community Relations

8:030 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property

Legal Reference(s): 

Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, 20 U.S.C. §7905.

10 ILCS 5/19-2.2.

105 ILCS 5/10-22.10, 5/10-22.10 and 5/29-3.5.

Good News Club v. Milford Central School, 121 S.Ct. 2093 (2001)

Lamb’s Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District, 113 S.Ct. 2141 (1993).

Rosenberger v. Rector and Visitors of Univ. of Va., 515 U.S. 819 (1995).

Date Adopted:   June 22, 2010

Date Amended:  December 16, 2014

Date Amended:   March 24, 2020