1500-Public Use of School Facilities

While the District’s school buildings and grounds are maintained primarily for the purpose of educating students within the District, the Board of Education recognizes that the buildings and grounds are a valuable community resource and believes that this resource should be available to the community for specific uses that will not interfere with educational activities. This policy is intended to identify the uses that community groups may make of those facilities.

Permitted Uses

District facilities may be used for the purposes listed below, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in this policy.

1. Instruction in any branch of education, learning or the arts.
2. Public library purposes, subject to provisions of the Education Law, or as stations of public libraries.
3. Social, civic and recreational meetings and entertainments, or other uses pertaining to the welfare of the community so long as such uses are non-exclusive and open to the general public.
4. Meetings, entertainment and occasions where admission fees are charged, when the proceeds are to be spent for an educational or charitable purpose.
5. Polling places for holding primaries and elections, for the registration of voters.
6. Civic forums and community centers.
7. Recreation, physical training and athletics, including competitive athletic contests of children attending a private, nonprofit school.
8. Child-care programs when school is not in session, or when school is in session for the children of students attending schools of the District and, if there is additional space available, for children of employees of the District.
9. Graduation exercises held by not-for-profit elementary and secondary schools, provided that no religious service is performed.

Additionally, as a condition of receiving state funding, the District permits access to military recruiters to school buildings, grounds and facilities to the same extent it provides access to those who inform students of educational, occupational or career opportunities.

Prohibited Uses

Any use not permitted by this policy is prohibited. In addition, the following uses are specifically prohibited.

1.  Meetings sponsored by political organizations, except for the sole use of student participation by those Board-approved student organizations (e.g., Young Republicans).
2. Meetings, entertainments and occasions that are under the exclusive control of and the proceeds are to be applied for the benefit of a society, association or organization or a religious sect or denomination or of a fraternal, secret or exclusive society or organization, other than veterans’ organizations or volunteer fire fighters or volunteer ambulance workers.
3. Meetings sponsored by groups or organizations that employ or promote discriminatory practices.

Conditions of Use for District Facilities

1. Use of District facilities may be permitted unless such facilities are in use for school purposes, or during educational programs. The District reserves exclusive and nonreviewable judgment to determine if a requested use would interfere with or disturb the District’s educational programs.
2. The conditions of use are set forth in the accompanying regulation.
3. The Board reserves the discretion to deny use of District facilities described above, or to terminate use of District facilities:
   1. In a contingent budget;
   2. By an applicant who has previously misused or abused District facilities or property or who has violated this policy;
   3. For any use which could have the effect of violating the Establishment
      Clause of the United States Constitution or other provisions of the United
      States or New York State Constitutions;
   4. For any use which, in the estimation of the Board, could reasonably be
      expected to or actually does give rise to a riot or public disturbance;
   5. For any use which the Board deems inconsistent with this policy;
   6. For any use by a private for-profit entity that has the direct or indirect
      effect of promoting the products or services of such entity;
   7. In any instance where alcoholic beverages or unlawful drugs are sold,
      distributed, consumed, promoted or possessed;
   8. For any use prohibited by law.

Application Procedure for Use of District Facilities

1. All applications for use of school facilities shall be made in writing and submitted to the Superintendent of Schools or designee for approval at least 30 days prior to the date of the requested use. A use permit application is available in the office of the School Business Official and in Principals’ offices.
2. The applicant must clearly and completely describe the intended use of the District facility in the application.
3.  All applicants may review this policy and regulation prior to submitting the application. All applications must be signed by an authorized agent of the group or organization requesting use who will attend and supervise the event. The applicant’s signature on the application shall attest to the group or organization’s intent to comply with all Board policies and regulations and to use District facilities strictly in accordance with the use described in the application.
4. All applicants must agree to assume responsibility for all damages resulting from its use of District facilities. Proof of adequate insurance must be provided by the applicant at least 10 days before the date of the requested use.
5. Permits shall be valid only for the facility, use, dates and time specified in the permit. No adjustment to the permit is allowed except with the prior written approval of the Superintendent or designee. Permits shall not be transferable.
6. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to alter or cancel any permit if it becomes necessary to use the facility for school purposes or for other justifiable reason.
7.  With regard to scheduling activities, the District retains the right to give preference to groups and organizations which are associated with or sponsored by the District.
8. Issuance of a permit shall not limit the right of access to the facility by District staff.

Ref: Education Law §414

Adoption date: August 28, 1995
Revised: November 12, 2002
Revised: December 12, 2011
Revised: July 11, 2016
Reviewed: February 27, 2017
Revised: October 15, 2019
Revised: October 19, 2026