2035 -USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education believes that the primary purpose or function of public school facilities is to provide quality educational environments conducive to the learning of the students they serve.
The Board concurs with the ideal of "greater use of public school facilities" and the State’s policy which assures "maximum use of public school facilities by the citizens of each community in this State" as outlined in the Community Schools Act (G.S. 115C-203). The Board therefore permits citizens to use school buildings and facilities for civic, cultural, educational, recreational, and other such activities as long as such use does not conflict with the use of public school buildings and grounds for public school purposes and activities; with state laws; with local ordinances; or with the proper care and maintenance of school facilities.
Use of school facilities outside the school day must be approved by the principal and the central office administrator designated by the Superintendent and/or Board to coordinate facility use.
Use of school facilities shall be granted in the following priority order:
• Use by local school-related organizations
• Use by departments of Durham Public Schools
• Use by governmental agencies
• Use by nonprofit organizations
• Use by private interest groups, organizations, or for-profit agencies.
All non-Durham Public Schools organizations shall be required to obtain a written permit for facility use. The permit will outline rules governing the use of facilities; responsibility for supervision; obligation for care and maintenance; prohibited uses; and contractual obligations related to utility fees, rental fees, insurance certification, and related matters.
The superintendent shall establish procedures for the use of school facilities by outside groups, consistent with this policy.
Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-203
Adopted: July 2, 1992
Revised Effective: July 1, 1999
Revised Effective: December 20, 2007
