School Facility Permits

Guidelines governing the use of MPS facilities that include permit application, certificate of insurance, billing, provisions and cancellations.

1. Permit Application for Facility Use

All sections of the permit application must be filled out completely and accurately. Missing information will delay the process and may result in rejection of the permit application. All permit applications must be submitted to Milwaukee Recreation at least three weeks prior to the event. Late applications may be subject to additional fees.

Milwaukee Recreation — Permit Office

Office Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Email: SchoolPermits [at] milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: 414-773-9982

2. Certificate Insurance

A current Certificate of Insurance is required from all non-Milwaukee Public School groups. The certificate must show coverage for Commercial General Liability Insurance at a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 for general aggregate. The Milwaukee Board of School Directors must be named as the "certificate holder" as well as "additional insured" on the certificate. PLEASE NOTE THAT PERMITS WILL ONLY BE ISSUED THROUGH THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE.

3. Billing

The permit applicant is responsible for the costs incurred (if any) in connection with use of the facility. There is a 2 hour minimum on all permits in addition to any charges related to snow removal.

Fee Schedule

Weekday
Site fee: $45.00/hr
Set up fee*: $45.00/hr
Safety fee**: $26.00/hr
Expediting Fee***: $75.00/application

Non-School Day/Saturday
Site fee: $55.00/hr
Set up fee*: $55.00/hr
Safety fee**: $26.00/hr
Expediting Fee***: $75.00/application

Sunday/Holiday
Site fee: $65.00/hr
Set up fee*: $65.00/hr
Safety fee**: $26.00/hr
Expediting Fee***: $75.00/application

Parking
Parking Only: $45.00/day
Snow Removal: $180.00

*Minimum 1 hour set up fee for all events.
**1 Safety Person is assigned per 100 people or at the Principal's request
***May be charged for applications submitted less than 3 weeks prior to the event.

Note: Specific times have been set aside for free use of Milwaukee Public School facilities for meeting purposes. Please refer to the Free Meeting Use Rules and Instructions for additional information.

4. Provisions Under Board Policy 5.02

a. Concession Sales: The sale of concessions or other goods is prohibited unless permission is granted in the Facility Use Waiver to charge fees.

b. Admission/Fundraising: Use of school facilities shall not be granted to individuals or groups whose purpose in using the school facilities is to make a commercial gain or personal profit. Any permitted use of facilities must be open to the public and free, unless permission to charge admission or other fees has been granted in the Facility Use Waiver to charge fees.

c. Kitchen Use: Applications that indicate intended kitchen use will be forwarded to the Department of School Nutrition Services for approval.

d. The use/possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, controlled substances, pepper spray and weapons are prohibited on the premises.

e. Safety: The District reserves the right to deny permit applications due to safety concerns or potential for damage including but not limited to grilling, bounce-houses or other temporary structures, and fireworks.

f. See Administrative Policies and Procedures for more information.

5. Cancellations

There is a 48-hour cancellation notice required for all events. The permit holder must fill out a cancellation form and submit it to Milwaukee Recreation so that all parties can be notified. Organizations will be billed for all costs incurred in addition to a two-hour minimum site fee if notification is not given to Milwaukee Recreation 48 hours in advance of a canceled event.

Hours for Free Meeting Use — Rules and Instructions

Requests for the use of regular school classrooms, libraries or permanent cafeterias for the purpose of meeting under the “Hours for Free Meeting Use” policy must be submitted to the School principal in writing.

Milwaukee Recreation
5225 W. Vliet St. Rm. 1
Milwaukee, WI 53208

Per Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Administrative Policy 5.02, a select number of rooms within school facilities shall be made available for public meeting use.

1. "Hours for Free Meeting Use" Official Request

Requests for the use of regular school classrooms, libraries or permanent cafeterias for the purpose of meeting under the "Hours for Free Meeting Use" policy must be submitted to the School Principal in writing. All requests must include: Name, Current Address, Telephone Number, Type of activity/meeting, and Specific Rooms.

2. Adult Supervision Required

Community groups must provide adult supervision with a recommended ratio of one adult per 16 youth for their activity, as well as adult supervision at the designated entrance/exit door(s) for members of their group.

3. Designated Entrance and Exit Doors

Only the designated entrance and exit doors are to be used for entry into and out of the building. Community groups shall not allow anyone into the school building that does not belong to their group.

4. Building Housekeeping Rules

Chalkboards: Please do not erase what is on the chalkboards. If you use the chalkboard, please erase what you (or your group) write before you leave.

Teacher Desk & Student Work: Please consider the teacher's desk and student work 'off limits'.

Equipment: Equipment of any type should not be used or moved unless coordinated with the School Principal.

Office Equipment/Telephones: Community use of school office equipment or telephone service is not permitted. Telephone services will only be available in an emergency situation.

Furniture: Writing on desks, chairs, or other furniture is prohibited. Furniture may be arranged as necessary, but please ensure it is put back exactly as it was found.

Cafeteria Tables: Cafeteria tables with benches are not to be disassembled or collapsed. All tables are to remain in the cafeteria. Cafeteria tables are to be cleaned immediately after use by the permit group. A bucket, detergent/sanitizer, and a cloth will be made available by School Nutrition Services for this purpose.

Food and Beverages: No food or beverages are allowed in classrooms or libraries.

Parking: Community groups/organizations must adhere to all parking regulations.

5. School Address

No group shall use the school address as its mailing address.

6. Per MPS Administrative Policy 5.02

Concession Sales: The sale of concessions or other goods is prohibited unless permission is granted in the Facility Use Waiver to charge fees.

Admission/Fundraising: Use of school facilities shall not be granted to individuals or groups whose purpose in using the school facilities is to make a commercial gain or personal profit. Any permitted use of facilities must be open to the public and free, unless permission to charge admission or other fees has been granted in the Facility Use Waiver to charge fees.

Prohibited Items: The Board prohibits the use/possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, controlled substances, pepper spray, firearms, or other weapons on its premises.

Permit Revocation: Permits may be revoked or applications for renewal may be refused by the issuing party for infractions of administrative policy.

7. Additional Room(s) & Facility Requests

Additional requests for facilities (gymnasium, field-house, multi-purpose room, auditorium, non-permanent cafeteria, and outdoor facilities) must be referred to Milwaukee Recreation at (414) 773-9982 for approval. A minimum of three weeks advanced notice is required.

Guidelines for Limited Use of Kitchens

Department of School Nutrition Services
5225 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: (414) 475-8370 · Fax: (414) 475-8376

Below are guidelines governing the use of kitchens in schools by school and community groups. The guidelines are for the limited use of kitchens and the restrictive use of kitchen equipment:

1. If an event/meeting is scheduled, and kitchen access is desired, the Food Service Manager/Food Service Assistant in charge will be notified by the Building Administrator.

2. The Building Administrator or designee, will assume responsibility for providing access to the kitchen for items such as water to prepare beverages (coffee, juice, etc.).

3. In most cases, light refreshments are brought in and served immediately. Light refreshments are defined as coffee and other beverages; baked desserts such as cookies, muffins, coffee cakes, brownies; fruit and vegetable platters.

4. Kitchen outlets can be used if necessary.

5. Paper supplies, serving utensils, and eating utensils are to be provided by parent/community group.

6. If refrigerator or freezer space is needed, arrangements must be made in advance with the Food Service Manager/Food Service Assistant in charge. Available space will be evaluated based on current inventory and scheduled food deliveries.

7. Coffee grounds are to be put into a plastic lined garbage container.

8. Facilities, work tables, serving counter, sinks, cafeteria tables, etc., are to be cleaned immediately after use. A bucket, detergent/sanitizer and cloth will be made available by School Nutrition Services for this purpose.

9. Parent/community groups are responsible for any loss or damage to equipment or supplies.

10. Parent/community groups are not required to hire Department of School Nutrition Services personnel for activities limited to those described above.

Extended Use by Community Organizations

Kitchen facilities, which are deemed separate from school cafeterias, shall be made available for community use on a limited basis with the approval of the School Administrator and Milwaukee Recreation in collaboration with the Department of School Nutrition Services. Such use may not interfere with the preparation, serving, or clean-up of school programs such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A permit shall be issued and all authorized groups are responsible for all costs incurred pertaining to staffing, ancillary services, and insurance coverage. Kitchens are required to be staffed by the Department of School Nutrition Services when any kitchen equipment is used. Staff shall be made available with at least ten (10) business days advance notice to the Department of School Nutrition Services. Authorized groups are responsible for all staffing, supply and clean-up costs. Authorized groups are responsible for any theft or damage claims.