FILE:  KG

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
The public school facilities are provided by the citizens of the Benton Harbor school district in order that their children may receive the benefits of a sound education. Although this is the basic purpose for which schools are built, the complete function of education is not achieved unless the school facilities serve the total community. To accomplish this objective, the utmost use shall be made of school facilities as centers for educational, cultural, recreational, and auxiliary activities. To this end, the Board encourages the fullest possible use of school facilities, consistent with the requirements of the regular educational program and the necessary policies and regulations as established by the Board. Applications must be made and approval received for the use of any district facility.

When costs are involved in non-school use of district facilities, fees shall be charged to insure that tax monies and other district revenues are not used to support non- school activities.

When a building has been closed for regular school program use, or declared surplus property, the Superintendent or designee may negotiate a lease of said property in accordance with Board Policy EBHA at a price per square foot basis. All leases are subject to the approval of the Board.

In the event of a community disaster, the Board, through the administrative management of the district, shall make facilities available to assist civil authorities in relief of human misery and the saving of lives.

The Board reserves the right to deny the use of district facilities for any purpose that is not consistent with the best interests of the district or community. It is the prerogative of the Board, in cases of dispute, to determine whether the best interest of the district or community would be served.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop rules and regulations on application procedures, facility usage, and rental fees to be charged.

 
REVISED: 6-11-02
 

The Benton Harbor Area Schools, Berrien County, Michigan