I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for community use of school facilities and equipment.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT
The Moorhead School Board encourages maximum use of school facilities and equipment for appropriate community purposes if, in its judgment, that use does not interfere with the use for school purposes. This includes all district-owned facilities.
To maintain communication within the District and to avoid schedule conflicts, all activities and events scheduled beyond the student day for all spaces shall be scheduled through the Moorhead Schools Online Reservation System. The exception is the Moorhead Sports Center. The Moorhead Sports Center is operated by the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association (MYHA). Contact MYHA directly to reserve the Moorhead Sports Center.
III. SCHEDULED COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
B. Procedures for providing publicity, registration, and collection of fees shall be the responsibility of the Community Education Enrichment Coordinator and/or designee.
C. Registration fees may be structured to include a pro-rata portion of costs for custodial services.
D. On-site summer camps or other summer student enrichment activities designed to enhance co-curricular or extra-curricular programs of Moorhead Area Public Schools shall be organized through Community Education.
IV. GENERAL COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
A. Request for the use of school facilities by community groups or individuals shall be made through the Moorhead Schools Online Reservation System. The fee may include the cost of custodial, technology, and supervisory staff if deemed necessary. Refer to the Facility and Equipment Use Handbook. The rental fee schedule and payment policy shall be reviewed and approved by the School Board.
B. When emergencies or unusual circumstances arise that necessitate rescheduling the use of school facilities, every reasonable effort will be made to find an acceptable alternative meeting space.
V. USE OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT
Facility and Equipment Use Handbook outlines the type of equipment available for community use, the extent to which it may be utilized, the manner by which it may be scheduled for use, and any charge to be made thereto.
VI. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
The School Board expects members of the community who use facilities and equipment to do so with respect for school district property and an understanding of proper use. Individuals and groups shall be responsible for any damage to facilities and equipment. A certificate of insurance may be required by the school district to ensure payment for these damages and any liability for injuries.
A. All groups using school facilities are required to assume full responsibility for personal injury to any participants or spectators related to their activity.
B. The organization making use of District facilities shall agree to indemnify the District for any and all damage to the school or to other property by any person or persons attending the activity.
C. Groups and organizations are required to submit a certificate of insurance or endorsement for a general liability policy with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate, naming District #152 as the additional insured before a Building Use Permit is issued. The District carries no liability insurance protecting organizations engaged in non-school activities.
VII. NONDISCRIMINATION
Pursuant to state and federal laws, activities sponsored by individuals, agencies, organizations, or groups and conducted in District school facilities, whether under contract or by any other arrangement, shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, economic status or disability.
Legal References:
Minn. Stat. 123B.51 (School Houses and Sites; Access for Noncurricular Purposes)
20 U.S.C. 4071-74 (Equal Access Act)
Cross References:
Moorhead School Board Policy 576: Moorhead Area Public School District Weapons Policy
Moorhead School Board Policy 702: Equal Access to Moorhead Area Public Schools Facilities
Moorhead School Board Policy 903: School District - Community Relations
Moorhead School Board Policy 930: Community Education
Minnetonka Public Schools Policy 902: Use of School District Facilities and Equipment