Opening School Property After Hours

Some school districts are reluctant to open school property to the community after hours, concerned about the legal risks and the costs associated with injury or property damage. The good news is that the risk of liability is often exaggerated, and the legal system provides school districts with many protections against lawsuits.

ChangeLab Solutions developed this fact sheet to explain how state laws, insurance, and written agreements can help protect school districts from liability. People who volunteer in support of school facility use sometimes worry that they could be at risk of liability if an injury occurs while they are volunteering. 

For more information about the significant legal protections for volunteers provided by the federal Volunteer Protection Act, see our fact sheet on Volunteers and Liability.