Is the Wabash District #348 school board living up to its own policies? That’s what one former Golden Aces coach and administrator is trying to determine when it comes to the policy for community use of school facilities. Rick Johnston spoke at Monday’s school board meeting saying he and others have been denied access to the district’s gyms to practice a 4th and 5th grade basketball team that was organized last year. While there were no issues finding an available gym to practice last year, Johnston said that’s not the case this year as he has gotten the run around from administrators. The board’s own policy outlines how school facilities are available to community organizations during non-school hours when not interfering with any school function or the safety of students or employees and doesn’t affect the property of liability of the school district. Johnston said after many delays, he was told he would have no access to gyms, something he says sets a precedent for other coaches and sports….
Johnston also brought up another topic when it comes to student-athletes using school facilities….
Johnston asked the board to review its’ policy and eliminate areas of inconsistences and develop well defined protocols for the use of school facilities by the community. No comment was offered by administrators or school board members at the conclusion of Johnston’s remarks.
Here is the board policy:
8:20 Community Use of School Facilities
School facilities are available to community organizations during non-school hours when such use does not: (1) interfere with any school function or affect the safety of students or employees, or (2) affect the property or liability of the School District. The use of school facilities for school purposes has precedence over all other uses. The District reserves the right to cancel previously scheduled use of facilities by community organizations and other groups. The use of school facilities requires the prior approval of the Superintendent or designee and is subject to applicable procedures. Persons on school premises must abide by the District's conduct rules at all times.
Student groups, school-related organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations are granted the use of school facilities at no costs during regularly staffed hours. Fees and costs shall apply during non-regularly staffed hours and to other organizations granted use of facilities at any time. A fee schedule and other terms of use shall be prepared by the Superintendent and be subject to annual approval by the Board of Education.