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Board weighs facility-rental policy after reports of religious group using Monroe High
Summary
Board members raised fairness concerns about long-term rentals at Monroe High for religious gatherings; Attorney Coleman advised the district can rent facilities to faith groups so long as the district does not promote the religion and recommended careful application of the policy; staff will review and return with recommendations.
Board members discussed a complaint about a religious group meeting at Monroe High and questioned whether long-term rentals are treated consistently across sites. Multiple trustees said they were concerned about fairness if some groups had long-standing arrangements while new requests sought multi-week access.
Attorney Coleman advised the board that renting school property to religious organizations is permissible provided the district does not appear to endorse or promote a religious message. "We cannot promote or establish a religion," Coleman said, adding that the district should avoid actions (signs, on-campus promotion) that make it appear the system is part of the meeting. He recommended caution, consistent application of policy and clarified that nonreligious groups (including secular dissenting groups) have equal access under the law.
The superintendent said the district's rental policy is old and staff would provide a quote and a recommendation; as an interim practice the district will consider month-to-month agreements where school events and student needs require priority access. No policy change was adopted; the superintendent and staff were asked to review the policy and return with a proposal.
