The Board of Education recognizes:

• That DPS facilities belong to the school.
• That the primary purpose of the DPS facilities is to implement the regular instruction program.
• That school district facilities may be made available to the community when not in use for school activities.
• That any financial commitment of DPS arising out of community use of school facilities is subject to appropriation by the Board of Education.
• That the procedures for Community Use of Facilities are intended to promote effective, consistent, and fair use and enjoyment of DPS facilities consistent with the need to establish priorities that recognize the educational purpose of these facilities.  These procedures apply to all buildings and fields owned and/or operated by the District.

II. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SCHOOL FACILITY USE

Denver Public Schools shall make its buildings and facilities available to the community for the use of responsible organizations or groups of citizens when school is not in session.  Such permission and use shall not constitute an endorsement by the school district of any organization or group nor of the program, philosophies, goals or beliefs of any such organizations or groups or the expression of opinion regarding the nomination, retention, election or defeat of any candidate nor the expression of any opinion as to the passage or defeat of any issue.

Users shall adhere to all school district policies, regulations and practices pertaining to the use of school facilities.

The Board of Education reserves the right to refuse approval or to cancel any permits issued for the use of a school building or its facilities when it is deemed that such action is necessary for the best interests of the school.

To the extent users are interacting with DPS students, criminal and other background information pertaining to those users may be required pursuant to regulations or procedures established by the Superintendent or his designee.

The following facility user categories are identified for the purpose of determining rental rates, which are listed in the Appendix.

For all categories appropriate costs will be charged.  These costs may include any application fee, facility rental fee, labor, and repair of damage incurred by DPS.

Applications for use of Facilities, Fields, or All-City Athletic Complexes by non-school organizations for community or commercial groups or agencies must be obtained from the Office of Community Use of Facilities during normal business hours (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) using this link.

DPS-sponsored school organizations must submit an application using this link to request any use of school sites to the Office of Community Use.

The Office of Community Use of Facilities will coordinate scheduling and processing of payment responsibilities for all labor costs and insurance requirements for the use of all facilities to include kitchens/lunchrooms.  Menu planning and staffing must be coordinated directly with the Food Services Department.  The presence of kitchen personnel is mandatory when the kitchen is in use.

Application forms provided for Community Use of Facilities should be submitted at least two (3) weeks in advance of the date for requested use.  Completed applications will be time/date stamped when received in the Office of Community Use.

Priority for facility use will be given to: I. DPS Schools and school sponsored organizations, II.

DPS Community School Programs, III.  Denver Parks & Recreation Programs, in the above order.

All other use of facilities will be processed on a first come, first served basis determined by the time and date the completed application was received in the Office of Community Use of Facilities.

Single permits may be entered into for a series of meetings of a particular group.  However, a permit will not be issued during one school year for use during a future school year.

1. Use of School Facilities:  Use of school facilities must in no way interfere with school activities, and shall be limited to the activity specified in the approved use permit.  The Office of Community Use reserves the right to cancel a permit at any time.
2. Transfer:  Use permits may not be transferred or assigned.  The permittee agrees to notify the Office of Community Use if the permit is not to be used.
3. Restriction to Area:  Persons using facilities pursuant to this policy must confine themselves to the rooms or corridors assigned for their use.  These areas must be cleaned and restored to their original condition.
4. Safety:  Open flames, including candles flames, are not permitted in the school buildings.  A lessee may have in attendance no more persons than the seating capacity of the facilities rented.  Fire regulations limit the seating capacity of the auditorium; therefore, additional seating space may not be gained by placing extra chairs in the aisles.
5. Adult Supervision: Buildings may be used only when adult supervision provided by the user is present.  In addition, a school district employee must be present in the building throughout each permitted use.
6. Gymnasium Use: Lessors must furnish basketballs, volleyballs, volleyball nets, towels for showers, wrestling mats, or other gymnasium equipment.  No gymnasium equipment shall be provided on a rental basis.  Hardwood gymnasium floors are restricted to soft-sole footwear such as tennis shoes.
7. Equipment: Arrangements for the use of equipment must be made with the Office of Community Use.
8. Storage: No storage facilities will be provided, nor responsibility accepted by the district for any equipment or materials brought in by the applicant, unless specifically addressed in the application.  If items are stored, the district is not responsible for the items.
9. Food Service: Refreshments may be served only in approved areas.  Use of kitchen facilities is prohibited unless specifically authorized pursuant to the application process.
10. Parking: Includes free use of the parking lot to the extent spaces are available at the time of the rental.  If not leasing the building parking lot space is available at the normal fee schedule.These areas may not be used for parking unless authorized by the Community Use Department. The district will not be liable for vandalism, stolen property, or personal injuries, nor will it remove snow other than in the normal course of its operations.
11. Drugs:  Use or possession of controlled substances within the meaning of state and federal law is strictly prohibited on any school property.
12. Alcohol: Use or possession of alcohol is prohibited on any school property unless use and/or possession of alcohol at an event or facility is specifically authorized by an agreement signed by the Superintendent or a designee.
13. Smoking: Smoking in district buildings and on district grounds is prohibited.
14. Religious Activities: Church services and other religious activities shall be conducted at times when school is not in session.  Religious objects and symbols are to be removed after each use.
15. Security: Should security personnel be required to enforce any regulations of the permit, security costs will be billed to the permittee.

Community Use Fee Schedule Compared Rates

Kitchen Rental Rates

Denver School of the Arts Hourly Rental Rates

Denver School of the Arts Capacity

• Classroom: 30 people
• Commons: 200 people
• Schomp Theatre: 550 people
• Concert Hall: 290 people
• Acting Studio: 75 people
• Dance Hall: 180 people

Athletic Fields Hourly and Use Rental Rates