Community Relations 
Administrative Regulation No. 1330
Reviewed: February 6, 2020

Use of School Facilities

Any persons applying for the use of school property on behalf of any society, group or organization shall present written authorization from the group to make the application.

Persons or organization applying for the use of school facilities shall submit a statement of information indicating that the organization upholds the state and federal constitutions and does not intend to use the school premise to commit unlawful acts.

Civic Center Use                                                                

Subject to district policies and regulations, school facilities and grounds shall be available to citizens and community groups as a civic center for the following purposes:

1. Public, literary, scientific, recreational, educational, or public agency meetings (Education Code 40041).
2. The discussion of matters of general or public interest (Education Code 40041).
3. The conduct of religious services for temporary periods, on a one-time or renewable basis, by any church or religious organization, which has no suitable meeting place for the conduct of the services (Education Code 40041).
4. Child care programs to provide supervision and activities for children of preschool and elementary school age (Education Code 40041). 
5. The administration of examinations for the selection of personnel or the instruction of precinct Board members by public agencies (Education Code 40041).
6. Supervised recreational activities including, but not limited to, sports league activities that are arranged for and supervised by entities, including religious organizations or churches, and in which youths may participate regardless of religious belief or denomination (Education Code 40041).
7. A community youth center
8. Mass care and welfare shelters during disasters or other emergencies affecting the public health and welfare (Education Code 40041.5)
9. A ceremony, patriotic celebration, or related educational assembly conducted by a veterans' organization

            A veterans’ organization means the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, United Spanish War Veterans, Grand Army of the Republic, or other duly recognized organization of honorably discharged soldiers, sailors, or marines of the United States, or any of their territories.  (Military and Veterans Code 1800)

10. Other purposes deemed appropriate by the Board (Education Code 40041).

Restrictions

School facilities shall not be used for any of the following activities:

1. Any use by an individual or group for the commission of any crime or any act prohibited by law. 
2. Any use of school facilities or grounds which is inconsistent with their use for school purposes or which interferes with the regular conduct of school or school work.
3. Any use which is discriminatory in the legal sense.

   (cf. 0410--Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities) 

4. In accordance with Business and Professions Code Section 25608, the acquisition, use, possession or consumption of alcohol on school facilities and grounds is strictly prohibited except as provided for in Business and Professions Code Section 25608(a)(17) which are covered by a special events permit pursuant to Division 9 of the Business and Professions Code and which will occur at a time when students are not on the grounds. Any such use of school facilities shall be subject to any limitations that may be necessary to reduce risks to the district and ensure the safety of participants, as determined by the Superintendent or designee. Applicable limitations shall be clearly stated in the facility use agreement to be signed by the user's representative.

The District may exclude certain school facilities from non-school use for safety or security reasons.

Damage and Liability

Groups or persons using school facilities under the provisions of Board policy shall be liable for any property damages caused by the activity.  The Board shall charge the amount necessary to repair the damages and may deny the group further use of school facilities.  (Education Code 40043)

Any group using school facilities shall be liable for any injuries resulting from its negligence during such use.  The group shall bear the cost of insuring against this risk and defending itself against claims arising from this risk.

Groups other than those that promote youth and school activities shall be required to include the district as additional insured on their liability policies.

The Superintendent or designee may require a hold harmless agreement when warranted by the type of activity or the specific facility being used.