Organizations Eligible to Use Facilities 7-49

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

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Organizations Eligible to Use Facilities

1. Generally

   The education of students and the business and operations of the School Board and the School Division shall receive first consideration in the use of School Board and School Division owned or operated buildings, facilities, grounds, vehicles, and equipment (hereinafter “facilities”). School Division recognized 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 as determined by the Superintendent or designee. Secret or closed meetings shall not be allowed.

   In the interest of public safety, and the welfare of the majority of our citizens, the Superintendent or designee reserves the right to refuse in writing any group or individual the use of facilities.

2. 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 religious services or meetings; and
   3. The applicant must have definite building plans, i.e., own land, have blueprints, and/or a building fund.
3. Scouting BSA/Girl Scouts and other patriotic youth organizations

   Scouting BSA, Girl 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.

4. Political groups or campaigning

   Facilities may not be used for campaigning for candidates for elected offices or for campaign related activities except when facilities are used as polling places and campaign activities are limited to designated areas by election officials. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that School Board owned, or operated facilities remain politically neutral. Political groups, including but not limited to lobbying organizations, political action committees, local political groups, may use facilities for regular organization meetings under conditions that indicate that the School Board and the School Division are not endorsing or supporting the organization or any individual candidate.

Legal Reference

Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7905, as amended
Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations, 36 U.S.C. § 101 et seq., as amended.

Related Links

School Board Policy 7-48
School Board Policy 7-53
School Board Policy 7-55
School Board Regulation 7-55.1

Adopted by School Board: October 20, 1992
Amended by School Board: September 2, 2003
Scrivener’s Amendments: June 9, 2014
Amended by School Board: September 28, 2021
Amended by School Board: March 13, 2023