Board to limit use of school facilities

Public swims, partisan events and funerals will be prohibited

There will be no more funerals at Palm Beach County schools.

Partisan political events also will be banned, as will public swims in school pools.

The School Board is set to approve several new policies on Wednesday to limit public use of school facilities. Over the past few years, school district planners have realized some renters’ uses of the schools was not compatible with the goals of the school district, said Kris Garrison, the district’s planning director.

There have been several funerals on school property over the past few years, although Garrison said she didn’t have details on when or how many. These parties leased the property for use after school hours or on a weekend, she said.

Memorial services, without the deceased, will be allowed under limited circumstances, Garrison said.

The public can rent school district facilities, such as a large auditorium, for $85 an hour for a nonprofit and $170 an hour for commercial use. Courtyards, gymnasiums, classrooms and ballfields also can be rented. The district charges extra for outdoor lighting, custodians and parking lot use.

Under the new policy, partisan events also will be prohibited, although debates that include all sides of an issue will be welcome, she said.

School pools, such as the complex at Boca Raton High School, cannot be used for open swims or pool parties. The policy permits only aquatic programs and competitive meets.