Board hears plan to limit outside access to high‑school gym, set rules for youth programs
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Summary
Superintendent outlined a facility‑use framework that routes K–4 peewee programs to parks, restricts senior high gym access to days when district staff are present, allows fifth‑ and sixth‑grade practices in junior high gyms under volunteer supervision, and will require parental waivers; board discussion emphasized safety and fairness.
The board heard a proposed facility‑use policy intended to balance community access to school sports facilities with safety and supervision concerns. The Superintendent said peewee programs for kindergarten through fourth grade will be directed to park facilities, fifth‑ and sixth‑grade teams may use the junior high gym, and the senior high gym will be reserved for times when Nashville School District personnel are present to supervise.
Under the draft plan, volunteer coaches recruited by district coaches and parents may supervise junior high practices; outside adults who are not school employees would need to reserve junior high gym time. The Superintendent said the district's insurance will cover typical practice injuries and that parents will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging practice is "at your own risk." He also noted the senior high gym is harder to secure because of multiple entrances and shared spaces.
Board members asked about liability and whether outside groups would be required to purchase separate insurance; the Superintendent said the district's coverage applies in many cases but that he would research specifics for some sports and injuries. The Superintendent said the policy is intended to be fair to all programs and not to open facility access broadly without supervision.
Why it matters: The rules determine which community groups can use school facilities and under what supervision, affecting youth sports access, safety responsibilities, and scheduling for school and community activities.
What's next: The Superintendent said this is an informational update to the community and that he will provide details to media and stakeholders; the board was not asked to take formal action on the policy during the meeting.