A prominent member of the community submits a Facilities Use Request Application to the New Horizon school principal. After examining the document and noting that there are no known conflicts with school use of the facilities requested, the principal forwards it to the superintendent for further review.
The district has had a policy in place for many years on use of school facilities by outside groups, which allows the superintendent to approve requests. This application asks to use the band shell, accompanying grounds, and parking lot for a family wedding during the summer vacation period.
Specifically, the family wants to erect a tent on the grounds. They also request an exemption from one of the requirements of the policy to allow a toast with wine during the reception following the ceremony. Since the board’s policy clearly prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages on school property, the superintendent decides to bring the request to the board.
After some discussion of the issue, the board votes to waive the alcohol prohibition portion of the policy and permit the event to occur as proposed. They reason that because the event is scheduled during summer recess and the risk of unruly behavior seemed low; they could safely grant the waiver.
Does your school system have a clearly written policy regarding community use of school facilities?
What would your school board have decided in this matter?
What liabilities, if any, does the board assume with this decision?
This scenario is a paraphrase (with permission of the author) of one written in 1994. Would the decision rendered 10 years ago be made in today’s climate?