1. BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD POLICY
BUSINESS & NON-INSTRUCTIONAL
OPERATIONS
COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
530
COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
The Buncombe County Board of Education endorses the community use of school facilities for
appropriate purposes. Activities which enhance the cultural, educational and recreational
opportunities in the community shall be encouraged, provided they do not interfere with normal
school operations, activities or programs sponsored by the school.
The Superintendent is authorized to enter into facility use agreements, memorandums of
understanding, and joint use agreements for the community use of school facilities. Such
agreements shall be reported to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Activities not directly related to cultural, educational and recreational purposes might also occur
provided these activities meet specific guidelines and are totally self-supporting. Expenses such as,
but not limited to, custodial services; heating and air conditioning; lighting; water; and general
maintenance must be fully covered by the user. A fee schedule with rules and regulations for the
use of school facilities will be adopted and reviewed annually.
Special consideration and priority will be given to groups which directly support school programs
or which exclusively serve students enrolled in the Buncombe County Public Schools. All groups,
regardless of their intent, affiliation with the school, or profit or not-for-profit status, must complete
an application and provide the necessary documentation and receive approval before using any
facility.
Extra-Ordinary Approved Uses
•
The Superintendent shall have the authority to approve the use of school facilities as alternative
assembly sites for both federal and state military organizations.
•
In keeping with N.C.G.S. 163-129, the county board of elections is entitled to use any school
for the purpose of conducting registration and voting for any primary or election.
•
In keeping with N.C.G.S. 163-99, the board of education shall permit use of facilities by
political parties, as defined by G.S. 163-96, for the express purpose of annual or biennial
precinct meetings and county and district conventions without charge, except to recover costs
for personnel, utilities and maintenance. Such meetings cannot be in conflict with normal
school activities or functions normally carried on in such school buildings.
A copy of rules, regulations and permit applications will be maintained at each school location. The
individual school principal or facility director will be the first point of contact. The principal or
facility director shall be responsible to see that all forms are completed and a facsimile or copy
forwarded to the Superintendent.
The application, approval from the school system, this policy, and the administrative regulation
promulgated pursuant to this policy shall constitute an agreement between the Buncombe County
Board of Education and the group or organization utilizing school facilities pursuant to N.C.G.S.
115C-524(b).
Adopted – August 6, 1992
Revised – January 9, 2003
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Ref: G.S. -115C-524(b)