School Facility - Community Use
The Dedham Public Schools are proud to offer well-maintained, high-quality facilities that serve as a cornerstone of our educational mission and a valuable resource for the broader community. From athletic fields and gymnasiums to performance spaces, classrooms, and meeting areas, our school properties reflect the district’s commitment to excellence, accessibility, and community engagement.
Through thoughtful scheduling, responsible stewardship, and a shared commitment to community values, we aim to make Dedham Public Schools a hub of activity, learning, and collaboration for all.
Who Can Use School Property?
Recognizing the vital role our schools play beyond the school day, the Dedham School District is dedicated to ensuring that these facilities are available for appropriate use by outside organizations. Whether supporting youth sports leagues, cultural programs, enrichment classes, or civic gatherings, we believe that our buildings and grounds can help strengthen connections, promote wellness, and enhance the quality of life for residents throughout Dedham.
Dedham School Buildings are open for use by:
- School based groups - School teams, extracurricular programs.
- Community based groups - Recreation programs, youth sports programs, adult athletic programs.
- Outside organizations - Local businesses, non-profit groups, community organizations.
As outlined by School Committee policy, priority for use of the Dedham School facilities shall be given in the following order: to school functions or activities, including extracurricular activities after the hours of the normal school day.
1. School functions or activities, including extracurricular activities after the hours of the normal school day.
2. Town government and its various boards.
3. Groups directly related to and supportive of the school system
4. Non-profit groups and organizations composed exclusively of Dedham residents and groups that support Town, School or Community-at-large functions.
5. All other groups and organizations.
What do I need to know before applying to use school property?
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Dedham Public Schools (DPS) events and activities will have priority use of all school property. Applicants will be notified should the proposed dates and times of events/activities conflict with DPS events/activities.
School property shall only be made available for the hours shown on permit (open and close times). Users must abide by the designated times.
The District may stop any event that has gone past the permit time.
Use of school property shall not begin before 8:00 am or extend beyond 10:00 pm without approval from the Superintendent’s Office.
School kitchens are regulated and permitted by the Board of Health, as such, and are not available for public use at any time.
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FEE CATEGORIES
The following fee categories for user groups have been established by the Dedham School Committee.
- Category I – School based group or activity
- Category II – Non Profit Dedham Community Youth Groups, and Organizations: This includes any non-profit groups, or organizations who are Town of Dedham residents. Examples of this category are: Dedham Youth Football, Dedham Youth Basketball, Dedham Youth Lacrosse, Dedham Youth Soccer, or other similar groups, as deemed appropriate by the School Committee.
- Category III – All other groups, organizations and activities: This includes all groups, organizations or activities which do not meet the requirements of category I or II, including individuals, private and commercial groups, societies, religious organizations, nonprofits and registered public charities.
FEE CATEGORY DETERMINATIONFee category determinations are the responsibility of the Superintendent or their designee and are non-negotiable. Fee category determinations will consider:
- The category to which the applicant belongs (see above). All final determinations of a group or organization´s category will be made by the Superintendent or their designee and will be considered final for purposes of establishing and assessing fees for use of school property and
- The specific needs/requests of the proposed use of school property.
FEES
The user will pay a use of school property rental fees in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Dedham School Committee.
Users will submit payment at least three (3) business days prior to the event. CHECKS can be made payable to DEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS and sent to Dedham Public Schools c/o Administration Office, 100 Whiting Avenue, Dedham, MA 02026.Space Category 2 User Fee Category 3 User Fee Elementary - Gymnasium $33/hr
$66 Elementary - Auditorium $33/hr $66 Elementary - Classroom $17/hr $33 DMS/DHS Gymnasium $55/hr $99 DMS/DHS Auditorium $77/hr $154 DMS Distance Learning Lab $72/hr $149 DHS Cafeteria $82/hr $163 DMS/DHS Classroom $17/hr $33
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Users must submit applications for use of school property at least three (3) weeks in advance of the proposed event/activity
Users who wish to utilize the District’s audio/visual equipment and services must submit applications for use of school property at least six (6) weeks in advance of the proposed event/activity.
Users must submit with the completed application:
- Certificate of liability insurance
- Signed bullying/hazing affidavit. Download, Print, Review & Sign Here.
Please note: Liability is the sole responsibility of the user.
The Office of Finance and Operations will contact you to review the status of user application.
General Rules for Use of School Property
SUPERVISION
For student events, users must provide adequate ADULT supervision to ensure safety and security.
Events that require the use of the women’s restrooms at the High School or Middle School may require a matron to be in attendance.
FOOD AND DRINK
Approved food and drink may only be distributed and consumed in the school cafeteria or outside of the building. Eating or drinking of any food /beverage is not allowed except in the cafeteria. School kitchens are NOT available. No OUTSIDE VENDORS.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Use of alcohol, tobacco, or any other controlled substance is strictly prohibited on school property.
EQUIPMENT USE
No equipment shall be used by renters unless it is specifically listed on the approved rental application. Organizations wishing to bring equipment into schools as part of rentals shall make arrangements at the time of the rental application, and such equipment shall be removed by the end of the rental period. The Dedham School Department takes no responsibility for any equipment brought into the schools.
CARE AND CONDITION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Users of school property must ensure that school property is restored to its original condition after any event/activity (complete removal of any materials, equipment, or other materials associated with the approved event/activity). Any damage to school property that results from use/misuse during an approved event/activity will be charged to the user.
Public Safety on School Property
USER OVERSIGHT
The User or their designee must be present on school property prior to, during, and after the event/activity.
SAFETY
A Police detail is required for events/activities over 300 participants. Events between 200-300 participants may require a police detail at the Superintendent's (or their designee) discretion. Applicants are responsible for arranging for the detail and all associated costs. Applicants may contact the Dedham Police Department at 781-751-9300 to make arrangements. Police details must start 45 minutes prior to the event and extend 45 minutes after the event.
Users and their attendees must adhere to all municipal and state safety codes.
Staging, outboard electrical equipment, special effects equipment, additional lighting, additional power, etc., must be approved by FIRE, Health and Building Departments 48 hours prior to the event.