Shared Use Agreement Schools

Shared Use Agreements (SUAs) in Schools: A Win-Win Solution

Shared Use Agreements (SUAs) are formalized agreements between two or more parties to share a publicly or privately owned facility. In schools, SUAs are established between schools and community organizations or agencies, allowing them to use school facilities when they are not in use.

SUAs can benefit schools in many ways, including reducing maintenance costs, improving relationships with the community, and providing students with additional opportunities for physical activity. By allowing community groups to utilize their facilities, schools can also help to address community needs and increase access to recreational opportunities.

One of the most significant benefits of SUAs in schools is the provision of additional opportunities for physical activity for students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents need at least an hour of physical activity per day to maintain good health. Unfortunately, many schools lack adequate facilities for physical activity, which can lead to sedentary behavior and a lack of exercise. SUAs can help to address this issue by providing access to facilities such as gyms, fields, and tracks outside of school hours.

In addition to promoting physical activity, SUAs can also improve relationships between schools and community organizations. By allowing community groups to utilize their facilities, schools can demonstrate good faith and build trust with their communities. This can lead to increased support for schools and potentially increased funding from local governments.

SUAs can also help to reduce the cost of maintenance for school facilities. Rather than schools having to bear the entire cost of maintaining their facilities, SUAs can allow community organizations to share the cost. This can free up resources for schools to invest in other priorities such as improving academic programs or hiring additional staff.

Overall, SUAs in schools are a win-win solution for schools and the community. By allowing community organizations to utilize school facilities when they are not in use, schools can provide students with additional opportunities for physical activity, improve relationships with the community, and reduce maintenance costs. If your school is interested in establishing an SUA, reach out to community organizations in your area to discuss potential partnerships. It could be a game changer for the entire community.