Under New York State Education Law, the Board of Education has the authority to oversee use of school facilities for various purposes. If the proposed use is determined to not serve in the best interest of Educational Program or School district then any request could be cancelled by them.
The Board of Education holds that its investments in school plant and facilities should be used for legitimate community uses within the framework outlined by State Education Law. As such, we strive to provide safe, clean, and appealing facilities for all those who use them.
It is the policy of the Board of Education to allow public access to school facilities for activities like exhibitions, meetings, classes, performances and similar events that help foster civic responsibility within our district. However, as part of its duty it must establish and enforce rules regarding conduct among those and groups who utilize school facilities for this purpose.
All uses of district facilities must be approved in writing and must clearly and thoroughly describe what their intended use will be. Applications for such usage must be sent to the Superintendent of Schools or designee at least 30 days in advance of when it will take place.
Applications seeking permission to use district facilities must demonstrate they have insurance that can cover any damages or injuries caused by negligence, misrepresentation, or omission on their part to either the district or its employees while using one of its facilities. They must also present a certificate issued by an organization licensed in New York that can offer coverage suitable for their proposed use of a facility.
Permits for district buildings and grounds can only be issued after receiving a written request from an applicant, receiving a signed copy of the Public Use of School Facilities Regulations, and uploading an insurance certificate. Use of facilities may be cancelled if requests for usage do not come early enough, conflict with school activities or with scheduling of facilities, etc.
The District recognizes its responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of its facility users, and must abide by all provisions of the building code and other regulations applicable to school buildings. This may include providing means of egress for all areas within a building as well as installing safety devices in new structures.
Additionally, all buildings within a school district must have fire suppression systems and an inspection program in accordance with New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code standards and codes. It is up to each district to enforce such standards and provide necessary training to their occupants and school staff members.