Use of School Property

The Sutton School committee will allow the use of its facilities as community centers for the integration of the Sutton community and for individual and family participation in wholesome activities. Such use shall be scheduled so as not to interfere with the instructional and school related activities of the district.

CHAPTER 71 SECTION 71 USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY: PURPOSE. “For the purpose of promoting the usefulness of public property the school committee of any town may conduct such educational and recreational activities in or upon school property under its control, and, subject to such regulations as it may establish, and consistently and without interference with the use of the premises for school purposes shall allow the use thereof by individuals and associations for such educational, recreational, social, civic, philanthropic and like purposes as it deems for the interest of the community. The affiliation of any such association with a religious organization shall not disqualify such association from being allowed such a use for such a purpose. The use of such property as a place of assemblage for citizens to hear candidates for public office shall be considered a civic purpose within the meaning of this section.”

SCHOOL USE OF FACILITIES: School grounds and buildings are maintained for school purposes. School programs have precedence over all others. Facilities may be used upon approval without charge by student organizations and organizations directly affiliated with the schools. The superintendent of schools shall approve such use.

NON‑SCHOOL USE OF FACILITIES: Non‑profit organizations may, upon approval, use school facilities free of charge. School grounds and buildings may be used by individuals and associations for activities of an educational, recreational, social, civic, philanthropic and like purposes as may be deemed for the interest of the community. The affiliation of any such association with a religious organization shall not disqualify such association from being allowed such a use for such a purpose. All non‑school use of facilities are subject to custodial and/or cafeteria personnel fees when the facilities are used during times when these services are not regularly available.

The superintendent in conformity with the following regulations, which have been approved by the school committee, will authorize the use of school buildings, grounds, equipment, and facilities.

Requests for the use of the school gymnasiums shall be made at the office of the superintendent four times a year:

July 15^th – August 15^th for fall

October 15^th – November 15^th for winter

February 15^th – March 15^th for spring

May 15^th – June 15^th for summer

All requests submitted by these dates will be given first priority. Other requests will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis.

Requests for school facilities must be cleared with the superintendent/business office, the principal, or both, should the nature of the request so justify.

School-related groups will be permitted reasonable use of school facilities without charge. All groups using the school facilities will be required to hire a custodian for a minimum of four hours. Please see Appendix B for hourly costs. Also, groups utilizing the kitchen facilities will be required to have a cafeteria staff person present for a minimum of four hours.

All activities must be under competent adult supervision approved by the superintendent or designee and the principal of the building involved. In all cases, an assigned school employee will be present. The renter as deemed necessary by the superintendent will provide police protection/supervision. The group using the facilities will be responsible for any damage to the building or equipment.

Groups receiving permission are responsible at all times for observance of fire and safety

requirements.

Groups receiving permission are restricted to the dates and hours approved and to the building area and facilities specified, unless requested the superintendent approves changes.

Smoking, possession, and serving of alcohol are prohibited on school grounds.

Proof of proper liability insurance, when requested by the superintendent, will be required of

all groups given permission to use school facilities.

The committee will approve and periodically review a fee schedule for the use of school facilities and cafeteria/custodial personnel.

In situations where there is no cost factor to the school system, or in situations where a mutual exchange of facilities is possible between the school system and the organization; rates may be modified or eliminated by the superintendent. In situations where extended usage for a long period of time is required; rates may be set at a contract price.

In compliance with the regulations of the board of health, groups using the fields will be required to provide a portable sanitary toilet per playing field being used.

The school committee reserves the right to cancel any permission granted.

The school committee assumes no liability for injury to persons present in the building through the authorization of community use of school facilities and further accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to equipment, materials, or other individual property.

School Facilities, Safety

The Sutton School System shall enforce Federal, State and local mandates in the field of safety as applicable to the school system.

Each school shall establish procedures and programs regarding safety practices including, but not limited to the following:

1.) Periodic inspection requirements,

2.) Safety inspection requirements,

3.) Fire drill procedures and scheduling, and

4.) First aid instructions.