School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 7-49

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Organizations Eligible to Use School Facilities

A. Generally

The requirements of the regular school program shall receive first consideration in the use of school facilities. School related organizations shall have priority over non-school related organizations, and approved child and youth groups shall have priority over adult groups.

All uses must be in the interest of the community. Secret or closed meetings shall not be allowed.

In the interest of public safety, and the welfare of the majority of our citizens, the school board reserves the right to refuse any group or individual the use of a school facility.

B. Use by Religious Groups

Religious groups may apply for permission to use facilities for religious services over an extended period of time with the following conditions:

1. Contracts will be reviewed and renewed annually.

2. A custodian will be required on school premises during church services.

3. The applicant must have definite building plans, i.e., own land, have blueprints, and/or a building fund.

C. Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth organizations

Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth organizations (as defined by U.S.C. Title 36) have the same ability to use school facilities as other community groups.

Editor’s Notes
See Virginia Beach City Public Schools School Board policy 5-53: Activities: Access to School Facilities (see school division website: www.vbschools.com
See Virginia Beach City Public Schools School Board policy 7-48: Community Use of School Facilities/Generally (see school division website: www.vbschools.com
See School Board Policy 7-55: Fees for Use of School Facilities and Regulation 7-55.1: Fees for Use of School Facilities.

Legal Reference:

Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act § 9525 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (§ 901 No Child Left Behind Act of 2001).

USC Title 36 (Patriotic Organizations)

Adopted by School Board: October 20, 1992
Amended by School Board: September 2, 2003