4260 Use of School Facilities
USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
The board subscribes to the belief that public schools are owned and operated by and for its patrons. The public is encouraged to use school facilities but shall be expected to reimburse the district for such use to insure that funds intended for education are not used for other purposes. On recommendation of the superintendent, the board shall set the rental rates schedule.
The superintendent is authorized to establish procedures for posting of signage and use of school facilities, including rental rates, supervisory requirements, restrictions, and security. Those using school facilities shall maintain insurance for accident and liability covering persons using the district’s facilities under the sponsorship of the organization. For rental rate purposes, organizations seeking the use of school facilities have been divided into four categories:
Group I – District Sponsored Events and School Partner Non-Profit Groups – District sponsored events occurring outside the normal school day and non-profit groups partnered with the Stanwood-Camano School District whose purpose is to support the mission of the Stanwood-Camano School District, i.e., PTA’s, Booster Clubs, and Patrons of Academic Learning (PALS), no facility fee shall be charged. Under certain circumstances involving significant use of utilities (such as weekends), excessive clean-up, or extensive use of the stadium lighting as determined by the district, the district reserves the right to assess fees according to the established fees.
Group II – Non-Profit Groups Serving Youth, Non-Profit Organizations Conducting Community Education or Community Service, and Public Entities – Non-profit groups serving youth must have open enrollment and open participation of all ability levels with at least 80% of the youth living within the boundaries of Stanwood-Camano School District, i.e., scouting organizations, 4H groups, SCJAA, recreational soccer leagues, recreational little leagues, etc. Special events (beyond regular league play) charging donations, entry fees, admission fees, etc. may be charged Group III user fees at the discretion of the district. This does not apply to the sale of concessions. Non-profit Groups includes those organizations which might wish to use school facilities for lectures, promotional activities, rallies, entertainment, college courses, or other activities for which public halls or commercial facilities generally are rented or owned. The district shall charge a rental rate in excess of costs incurred, except that such excess charges may be waived when a service club or other non-profit group is raising funds for charitable purposes. To be granted this exception, the charitable organization must be recognized by the Philanthropic Division of the Better Business Bureau. Professional fundraisers representing charities must provide evidence that they are registered and bonded by the state of Washington. Such fund-raisers must provide evidence that the charity will receive at least sixty (60) percent of the gross revenues received from the public prior to approval to use the facilities. When any university/college is offering a course for staff at the request of the district the rental fee will be waived.
Group III – Select Non-Profit Groups Serving Youth, Non-Profit Organizations, and Individual Users – Non-profit groups serving youth who do not have open participation of all ability levels with at least 80% of the youth living within the boundaries of the Stanwood-Camano School District, i.e., AAU, SWISH, select soccer clubs, etc. and all other non-profit and individual user groups i.e., churches, craft shows, meeting space, adult sports, etc. Nonprofit groups of the kind that in most communities have their own facilities (churches, lodges, veterans groups, granges, etc.) who wish to use district facilities on a regular, but temporary, basis may do so under this rental rate, but for no more than two years and may not average more than twelve hours of use per week.
Group IV – Commercial or For-Profit Organizations – Includes all commercial and/or for-profit promotional activities i.e., daycares. When 100% of profits go back to the school district Group I rates will apply. Commercial Enterprises includes profit-making organizations and business-related enterprises. While the district would prefer these organizations use commercial or private facilities, facilities may be rented for non-regular use per the district’s fee schedule.
District-sponsored activities, including curricular and co-curricular functions, retain first priority in use of facilities. Authorization for use of school facilities shall not be considered as endorsement of or approval of the activity group or organization nor for the purposes it represents.
Legal References:
- Chapter 316, Laws of 1999 School district facilities--Liability immunity
- RCW 28A.320.510 Night schools, summer schools, meetings, use of facilities for
- RCW 28A.335.150 Permitting use and rental of playgrounds, athletic fields, or athletic facilities
- AGO 1973 No. 26 Initiative No. 276--School districts--Use of school facilities for presentation of programs--Legislature--Elections
Adoption Date: 4.17.01
Stanwood-Camano School District
Revised: 06.03.03, 06.07.05, 6.19.07