Board adopts community-use policy; eliminates separate facilities fee schedule

Holly Shivers, the district secretary who oversees facility scheduling, led staff work on a revised community-use policy that the board adopted on second reading Sept. 10.

Staff told the board they clarified the distinction between public or community uses — which the district’s umbrella insurance covers (for example, school groups, charitable or community organizations and private citizens carrying out noncommercial events) — and private, corporate rentals that must carry their own insurance. The revised policy also integrates the older fee schedule into the policy text, removing a separate policy that had listed fees.

Board members and staff said they reviewed state code to determine what activities the district must prohibit (the presenter noted that state law defines what constitutes gambling and the district cannot permit activities that are illegal under state law). Staff also said they used outside help — including an AI review to cross-check fundraising and facilities language — and coordinated with HR and the policy committee. Trustees approved the policy unanimously.

Why it matters: The policy governs community access to school buildings and clarifies insurance responsibilities and fee collection. Consolidating the fee schedule into a single policy aims to reduce confusion for users and staff.

Ending: Staff said they will continue to adjust the district’s fundraising policy over the next months to avoid conflicts in wording with the new facilities-use language.