KG, Use of School Facilities

The Avoyelles Parish School Board recognizes the functions of school buildings and grounds shall be to accommodate approved school programs for students and to assist in meeting the educational, cultural, civic, social and recreational need of communities. Use of school buildings by the community shall be considered a secondary function so as not to interfere with regular school-day programs of the students.

The usage of school facilities by individuals or groups shall be governed by a signed lease agreement between the individual or group and the School Board. The lease agreement shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

The School Board reserves the right to refuse any request to use facilities which:

Name, address, and telephone number of person signing the application.
Name, address, name of contact person, and telephone number of the group or organization for which such use is requested.
A description of the nature, policies, and purpose of the organization.
A statement describing how the facilities will be used, and for what purpose.
A description of the particular area(s) of the school which are requested for use.
Proposed date, time, and duration of such use. In no event on a school day shall an activity begin prior to 5:00 P.M. nor end after 10:00 P.M., except for elections.
A statement that the person signing the application has been given a copy of the regulations regarding the use of school facilities, has read and understands such policy and regulations pertaining thereto, that such person meets all requirements necessary to obtain permission to use such facilities, as well as that the purpose of such use complies with all of such policies and requirements.
A statement that all persons attending the function or use of the facility requested shall also abide by all rules and regulations of this School Board relating to school facilities, and that the person signing such application and/or the group or organization shall be responsible for the conduct of all such persons.
The applicant shall sign a statement agreeing to:

Pay for any damage done to buildings, equipment or grounds.
Take necessary precautions to prevent smoking in school buildings, and prevent the use of alcohol or drugs during the activity.
Waive any and all rights to recovery from the Avoyelles Parish School Board for any injuries or damage resulting from the use of school facilities.
The principal/designee is required to assign an employee of the school to attend the duration of the event, not to exceed 10:00 p.m.
Pay required school personnel for their services.
Reserve the right to the Superintendent to cancel a previous commitment to use the facility if it becomes necessary to use it for school or emergency purposes.

The principal shall designate personnel to be present and responsible for lights, heat, air conditioning, operation of equipment, and opening and closing of school buildings and/or grounds.
School food service personnel shall be present if cafeteria facilities are to be used in connection with the activity. If kitchen facilities are to be used, at the minimum one (1) manager and one (1) worker, or two (2) workers are to be present. If the dining area alone is requested, at least one (1) worker shall be present. The principal shall determine the appropriate number of school food service workers needed for the activity.
No person except school personnel authorized by the principal shall be allowed to have a key to any school facility, unless specific permission has been granted by the Superintendent.
Application for use by outside groups or agencies shall be reviewed by the Superintendent, who shall make the determination of the appropriateness of the proposed use. Denial of use may be appealed to the School Board.
Arrangements for paying school personnel for their services shall be made by the applying person or group with the particular individuals involved.
Arrangements for use of school facilities on non-school days (e.g., weekends, holidays, summer months, etc.) is subject to the availability of school personnel and their willingness to work during those times.
Sponsors of applying groups using school facilities after school hours are to be held accountable to the principal for actions of the group. Sponsors are to notify the principal before the activity as to the specific hours the group will use the facility, and the name(s) of persons who will be assuming responsibility for the group.
School facilities may not be used by political organizations, for political rallies or promotions, for religious services or activities, or for private or personal use.
The applicant shall ensure that no unauthorized third party will be allowed to use the facility requested, or any portion thereof, without the express written consent of the Superintendent.
The applicant shall provide the required number of chaperons for children attending the activity, at a ratio of not less than one (1) chaperon per every twenty-five (25) children.
The applicant shall ensure that the number of attendees shall not exceed the authorized capacity for the facility as determined by the State Fire Marshal.
The applicant shall ensure that attendees park their vehicles only in approved parking areas. In no case shall parking be permitted on the grass areas of the schools.
The applicant shall ensure that attendees use only the facilities requested, and that they do not venture or enter into unauthorized areas.
No decorations for the activity are to be attached to walls, ceilings, or floors of the school buildings. All decorations must be free standing, and removed at the conclusion of the activity.
Security, including police or fire protection, may be required for the event after review of the application by the principal and the Superintendent. Security, if required by the Superintendent, shall be paid for by the individual or group using the facility.