School board adopts revised 'KG: Use of School Facilities' policy with fees, insurance and security rules

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on July 13 approved a revised KG policy (Use of School Facilities) that revises how the district charges and manages community use of district buildings and grounds.

The adopted policy sets a base $200 deposit and a minimum charge of $200 per four-hour block for most normal-function rentals, with additional fees for hours beyond the initial block; it sets custodial pay at $32 per hour, requires proof of general liability insurance (no less than $1,000,000 combined single limit) naming the district as an additional insured, and requires that deputies from the Sheriff's Office be present for normal functions (user pays cost). The policy also stipulates that school-related functions receive fee waivers, non-profit rates require proof of IRS status, and the district may enter cooperative endeavors that modify cost responsibilities if the Board approves them.

Why it matters: The revision clarifies when and how community groups may use school facilities, allocates costs for security and custodial services to users, and formalizes requirements designed to protect district resources and limit exposure of public funds.

Key provisions adopted by the board include:
- Fee structure: $200 deposit; $200 per four-hour block for normal functions; an additional $75 per hour for hours over the four-hour minimum (policy text specifies fee breakdown and table for different facility types).
- Security: The user must provide Sheriff's Office deputies for normal function rentals; number of deputies is determined by expected attendance and user pays the deputies.
- Insurance and indemnity: Users must provide a certificate of insurance with the district named as an additional insured; if alcohol is served, liability coverage must reflect that.
- Restrictions: Smoking, alcohol, firearms, and open flames are prohibited on school property; kitchen equipment use requires a district cook to be present; custodians and school employees required for opening/closing and cleanup.

The policy text included statutory citations (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:91.7, 17:81, 17:240) and a table of hourly rates for classrooms, auditoriums/gyms and athletic fields.

Board action and context: The motion to approve the revised policy was made by Holden and seconded by DeFrancesch; roll call recorded 10 yeas and the motion carried. The policy text will be applied per the district's procedures and principals must schedule custodial and security arrangements as required by the policy.

Next steps: The district will implement the policy in scheduling and rental agreements; the policy allows the Board to approve cooperative endeavors that could alter cost responsibility for certain community-benefit events.