Board Policy KG: Use of School Facilities

The primary purpose of the school facilities of the DeKalb County School District is to provide a suitable setting in which to educate the students of DeKalb County. First priority for the use of school facilities therefore shall be given to the school’s curricular and extracurricular needs and other school-sponsored activities, as determined by the school principal. School-related support groups, such as PTSAs, PTOs, and booster clubs, shall have second priority.

The Board of Education also recognizes that school facilities represent a significant investment on the part of the District’s residents. The Board therefore encourages community use of school facilities when such use will not interfere with the District’s educational mission.

Only the following outside organizations shall be eligible to apply for use of school facilities:

1. Non-profit organizations that are based in the District and whose members are mostly District residents;

2. Governmental agencies located in the District or serving District residents;

3. Businesses located in or serving the District, but only for school or community oriented purposes; and

4. Organizations currently approved by the Georgia State Board of Education to serve as Supplemental Educational Services (“SES”) providers to District students and are currently under contract with the District to provide SES to eligible District students, but only for the purpose of providing SES to such students.

Organizations other than those listed above may apply to use decommissioned or unoccupied facilities. Individuals are not eligible to apply for use of school facilities.

The Plant Services Department shall process applications and administer requests for use of school facilities by outside organizations. Any use of school facilities by outside organizations must be consistent with the Board’s policies and administrative regulations, must not involve unlawful conduct, and must be acceptable to the school principal.

To comply with Georgia law, the Superintendent or designee shall establish a fee schedule that enables the District to recoup the costs involved in the use of school facilities by outside organizations.

Use of school facilities shall not be denied on the basis of an organization’s religious, political or philosophical views or expressive activity. Organizations granted permission to use school facilities shall not unlawfully restrict participation in the activity or event because of an individual’s race, religion, sex, creed, national origin or disability.