Rent our facilities
Hold your meeting or event in the School District of South Milwaukee! SDSM is comprised of six public school buildings and more than 720,000 square feet of indoor space. Click below to see the types of facilities available, and then visit our Reservation Request Page to make a request.
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Requesting to use District Facilities
- Part 1: Administration of the Process
- Part 2: Facility Use Application Process
- Part 3: Rules and Expectations
Part 1: Administration of the Process
The operations department will administer and oversee the facility use process. In all circumstances, rSchool will be used as the basis to determine availability and the enforcement of facility usage. When multiple parties request the same facility at the same time, the below group number / prioritization scale will be used to determine who is able to use the facility. The below chart also breaks out which fee tier is applicable to a group (see the Exhibit below for fees).
Group Number Prioritization | Group Description | Fee Tier |
---|---|---|
1 | School District of South Milwaukee Groups | Tier 1 - No Fee* |
2 | Recreation Department Sponsored Groups | Tier 1 - No Fee* |
3 | School Related Activity Groups | Tier 1 - No Fee* |
4 | South Milwaukee Community Youth Groups | Tier 1 - No Fee* |
5 | South Milwaukee Community Groups | Tier 2 |
6 | Non-Profit Groups outside of South Milwaukee | Tier 2 |
7 | South Milwaukee For- Profit Groups | Tier 3 |
8 | Other Groups | Tier 4 |
*Fees may still be charged for staff time if required
Part 2: Facility Use Application Process
This process must be used by all groups
School district employees, administration or otherwise, must use this process to reserve district facilities outside of the normal school day and/or when the cleaning cycle of a facility may be disrupted - they do not have to use this process to reserve facilities during normal working hours. 14 days prior notice is expected to be provided before a proposed event. Exceptions to this rule are as follows:
1. School district administrators are allowed to call meetings to address immediate concerns with their staff within their buildings without using the standard Facility Use Application Process. Administrators must still use this process for normally scheduled staff meetings.
2. The Superintendent and Director Team may book and utilize the Board Room without prior notice or the use of the Facility Use Application Process.
3. School district / building administrators may book and utilize conference spaces within their buildings without prior notice or the use of the Facility Use Application Process.
4. Teachers and pupil services staff may use their instructional / work space to book meetings with parents/guardians one hour before or after school at the discretion of their building principal without using this process.
5. Groups 1 and 2 may request facility use with 3 days advance notice. They are still encouraged to provide as much notice as possible - ideally 14 days.
a. Requests made on Fridays for facility use on the following Monday will likely not be allowed due to staffing and cleaning concerns. Any group requiring immediate use of facilities should reach out directly to the Operations department for guidance.
Step 1 - Application
An interested party fills out an application to use district facilities through rSchool
Step 2 - Review
A. Initial Review
The individuals reviewing the Facility Use Request Form will depend on the facilities being requested. The operations and security manager will have the final say in all circumstances listed below.
The following staff will be notified of a potential facility use request in addition to the operations and security manager:
- Athletic and outside areas:
- Recreation Director - Stan Dorff
- Athletics Director - Ante Udovicic
- Athletics & Activities Secretary - Sarah Nowak
- Relevant site principal
- Relevant site secretary / designees as directed by the principal
- Professional Development Center:
- Director of Instruction - Christie Gajewski
- Secretary to the Director of Instruction - Kelly Cushion
- Performing Arts Center:
- Performing Arts Center Director - Rachel Abraham
- PAC Technical Director - Nicholas DaVia
- Locations where food is normally served High School Commons, Middle School MPR, kitchens, etc.
- Director of Food Service - John Xynos
- Relevant site principal
- Relevant site secretary / designees as directed by the principal
- District office or board rooms
- Superintendent - Deidre Roemer
- ○ Secretary to the Superintendent - Jessica Hess
- Other areas within schools (classrooms, etc)
- Relevant site principal
- Relevant site secretary / designees as directed by the principal
B. Billing / Insurance
The operations and security manager will review applicants to determine if fees are required as delineated in Board Policy, and will forward applicable requests to the Business Office for billing. Applications from Tier 3-8 will likely need to be assessed fees and provide proof of insurance.
The Business Office will create an invoice to be sent to the applicant, and will notify the operations and security manager as soon as payment is received and/or proof of insurance is provided.
Step 3 - Booking of Event
A. Booking in rSchool
Once Step 2 is complete, the operations and security manager will schedule the event in rSchool.
B. Confirmation
The operations and security manager will contact the interested applicant and will notify them of the approved facility use request. The time, location, and general details of the event will be confirmed and the parties listed in Step 2 will be CC’d. The operations and security manager will ensure a response as to confirm details related to the booking.
Step 4 - Mobilization of Resources
The operations and security manager will ensure that relevant resources are mobilized for the event. The following will be ensured at a minimum:
- Relevant custodial / cleaning personnel are available
- Relevant security personnel are available
- Any other resources as stated in the applicant are present
Part 3: Rules and Expectations
Application:
-
Requests for facility use may not be transferred to another individual or organization. Applications are approved for specific areas and for specific dates and times. The applicant is responsible for assuring that unauthorized portions of the building are not entered and that the premises are vacated as scheduled.
- A request to use district facilities must be submitted at least 14 calendar days before the requested event. Exceptions to this rule for certain groups are stated in the Facility Use Application Process.
- All non-school organizations must file a group certificate of insurance with the Business Office within their application. The proof of insurance must include a comprehensive, general liability policy with limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage and name the District as an additional-named insured.
- Appeal of denied applications may be made in writing to the Manager of Buildings and Grounds within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of the use denial. The decision of the Manager of Buildings and Grounds will be final.
- How to Register to Request a Space or Facility
- How to Request a Space or Facility
- Use of Facilities
- Assigning Staff
- Admission Fees/Facility Use Fees
How to Register to Request a Space or Facility
To become a Requester go to the facility request website and click the ‘Become a Requester’ button to register. Directions are below.
Image of the screen with an arrow pointing to the appropriate button.
A screenshot of the registration form with required fields.
How to Request a Space or Facility
After completing the Registration Form (or being approved as a Requester), you will be able to make your Facility Request. As a Requester, you must fill in the information on each screen before submitting the Request.
Screen 1: Time/Date – Add the desired dates and times for your event.
Select the dates, bear in mind that some dates may be blocked for holidays or activities. Then, select the starting and ending time for the events. Once you have selected both date and time, click save and continue to go to the next step.
Image of the request screen with instructions
Screen 2: Facilities - add the desired location for your booking.
Select the facility type. This will enable dropdowns to select the building. Click the continue button to continue to the next tab.
Select the facility type, the building, and hit continue.
Screen 3: Event Details
Add the event name, group size, and setup notes. You may also attach a file to this request.
Enter the required information about your event. You can also upload flies regarding the event. Then click continue.
Screen 4: Confirm
Check and verify the added information from previous screens. You may add or delete dates and times here. This is the last screen before submitting the Request. You can individually edit the events, or use the check boxes to check off those you wish to delete, and click Delete Selected. Click Submit, and then Ok, and your event will be submitted.
Check and verify the added information from previous screens. You may add or delete dates and times here. This is the last screen before submitting the Request
Use of Facilities
Use of sites, facilities and equipment may be denied because of scheduling, non-availability of staff, building maintenance, operation, security, weather conditions, failure to pay previous charges in full, failure to follow any District or school policy or procedure, the requested use interferes with the use of property for school purposes or school related functions, cancelation of event without prior notice, or any other non-arbitrary reason made in good faith as determined by the school district administration.
- Individuals / groups approved to use district facilities shall assume responsibility for, and compensate for, any damage done to buildings, sites or equipment during the period of usage; to indemnify and to forever hold harmless the Board and its officers, agents and employees from any and all claims of whatsoever kind, nature or description arising out of the use of any of the school facilities controlled by said Board, pursuant to the application or any modification thereof.
- Users shall adhere to all expectations, rules, regulations or policies of the District and/or unique to an individual building. Failure to follow the policy and rule requirements, misrepresentation, fraudulent application or failure to pay fees may preclude a group from future use of school facilities. The District reserves the right to remove any individual or organization at any time from District facilities for violation of District policies or rules.
- Buildings and facilities are to be used only for the purpose designated on the application form. In all cases, the group must be supervised by a responsible adult who has been designated by the organization renting the facilities as the person in charge. A current South Milwaukee student may not be the designated person in charge. District officials reserve the right to judge the apparent adequacy of such supervision and failure to provide such supervision will be grounds for immediate revocation of the permit and refusal of future permits to the group. Each group maintains exclusive responsibility for managing its employees, its agents, invitees, or any other person during the rental agreement. This responsibility cannot be transferred to the District.
- The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited on all District property. All uses of any tobacco product are prohibited on all District property. The possession, use, sale, or distribution of weapons or look-alike weapons while on District property is strictly prohibited.
- All users are advised that there is use of surveillance cameras in the District. The surveillance cameras may record sounds and images and such sounds and images may be stored electronically, in printed form or in recorded form. The stored images are the property of the District. The District reserves the discretion to refuse to provide copies to students, parents, staff members, and community members or other individuals or groups. The primary purpose for using surveillance cameras in the District is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and visitors. The District does not guarantee that the cameras will be monitored at all times.
- All facilities are to be restored by the user group to an appropriate condition following an event. The user organization is responsible for any costs incurred by the District to complete that restoration. User groups may not decorate, mark or otherwise modify any facility or field without specific approval.
- In the event of inclement weather, it is the responsibility of the user organization to determine their use of the space and for all public notifications concerning cancellation or continuation of the event. Rental charges will be billed if required to cover costs of equipment, labor, etc. The District shall not be liable for any loss of income due to inclement weather, public emergencies, and acts of God or from any other reason whatsoever. The district reserves the right to cancel any and all events due to inclement weather.
Assigning Staff
- A regular member of the District’s custodial staff, or a designated school employee, shall be on duty during all functions where permission has been granted for use of any building, or any portion thereof. If a group requests use of a kitchen where access to the kitchen and use of equipment will occur by the group, a District-employee kitchen staff member must be present to supervise, coordinate, direct and/or generally be of service. If a group requests to use the Fitness Center, a Fitness Center employee must be present to supervise, coordinate, direct and/or generally be of service. Appropriate charges will be made according to the rates as laid out in the exhibit below.
- Groups using the pool must provide a minimum of two qualified lifeguards and/or instructors during the full time that the pool is in use. Lifeguards must hold a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate or equivalent, as specified in Wisconsin Administrative Code 172.05. Names of lifeguards and proof of qualifications must be provided before the facility use request will be granted. If the pool will be used for instructional purposes, instructors must hold a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate or equivalent, as specified in Wisconsin Administrative Code 172.05. Names of instructors and proof of qualifications must be provided before the facility use request will be granted.
Admission Fees/Facility Use Fees
Admission Fees
User organizations may determine the amount of admission, if any, for non-school sponsored events. The amount collected through admission fees belongs to the user organization, not the district, with the exception of admission fees at the PAC, as set forth in Rule 831-PAC. 16. Admission fees collected for non-recreation, school-sponsored events are typically placed into the general fund for operations. Admission fees collected for recreation department sponsored events are typically placed into the community services fund. Exceptions to these general rules may be made for special events or events held in the PAC, as set forth in Rule 831-PAC.
Facility Use Fees
- There is a four-tier fee structure. Groups I, II, III and IV are tier one. Groups V and VI are tier two. Group VII is tier three. Group VIII is tier four.
- Tier one groups will not be charged a fee for booking facilities. However, required staff time (custodial, kitchen, fitness center, safety team, etc) will be charged to groups in tier one as required.
- The fees for tier two, three and four groups are listed on the below exhibit
- The City of South Milwaukee will not be charged facility rental fees for use of school facilities for use for official voting locations. Staffing costs as described above will be charged if incurred. Custodial time will be charged to groups 2 and above at a rate of $45 per person per hour. Kitchen, Fitness Center, and Safety team time will be charged to groups 2 and above at a rate of $20 per hour per person needed. The operations department will determine the additional staff needed in all circumstances. The City of South Milwaukee will not be charged facility rental fees for use of school facilities for use for official voting locations. Staffing costs as described above will be charged if incurred. Hourly and daily rates for booking facilities are listed on the below fee schedule. All rates are considered hourly unless otherwise noted “Day” is defined as no more than twelve (12) hours.
Rental Fees
Elementary Schools | Tier 2 | Tier 3 | Tier 4 |
Baseball Field (Blakewood, Lakeview) | $30/day | $40/day | $50/day |
Classroom | $10 | $20 | $40 |
Computer Lab | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Gym | $25 | $35 | $45 |
Kitchen | $40/day | $50/day | $60/day |
Library | $10 | $20 | $30 |
Playground | $30/day | $40/day | $50/day |
Misc. Grounds | $30/day | $40/day | $50/day |
Middle School | |||
Art Room | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Classroom | $10 | $20 | $30 |
Computer Lab | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Gym | $30 | $40 | $50 |
Kitchen | $45/day | $55/day | $65/day |
Library | $20 | $30 | $50 |
Little Theatre | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Locker Rooms | $35/day | $45/day | $55/day |
LTC | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Multi-Purpose Room with Stage | $35 | $45 | $55 |
Multi-Purpose Room w/out Stage | $30 | $40 | $50 |
Music Rooms | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Pool | $45 | $55 | $65 |
Weight Room | $40 | $50 | $60 |
High School | |||
Art Room | $25 | $35 | $45 |
Classrooms | $10 | $20 | $30 |
Commons | $35 | $45 | $55 |
Computer Lab | $25 | $35 | $45 |
Concession Stand (fieldhouse) | $20/day | $30/day | $40/day |
Fieldhouse - all courts | $75 | $85 | $95 |
Fieldhouse - single court | $30 | $40 | $50 |
Fitness Center | $150 | $160 | $170 |
Library | $30 | $40 | $50 |
Locker Rooms | $45/day | $55/day | $65/day |
Music Rooms 2413, 2420 | $10 |
$20 |
$30 |
Music Rooms - Band, Choir, Orchestra | $25 | $35 | $45 |
Music Rooms - Small Practice Rooms | $5 | $15 | $25 |
Staff Dining Room | $25 | $35 | $45 |
District/Outside/Other | |||
Athletic Practice Fields | $25 | $35 | $45 |
Baseball Field | $200/day | $225/day | $250/day |
Board Conference Room | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Board Room | $25 | $35 | $45 |
Football Field | $250/day | $275/day | $300/day |
Hickory Field | $20 | $30 | $40 |
Mobile Computer Lab - Any School | $25 | $35 | $45 |
Parking Lots | $30/day | $40/day | $50/day |
Professional Development Center | $20/room/hr | $30/room/hr | $40/room/hr |
Soccer Complex | $150/day | $175/day | $200/day |
Softball Field | $200/day | $225/day | $250/day |
Tennis Court | $75/day | $100/day | $125/day |
Track | $200/day | $225/day | $250/day |
Track and Football Field | $350/day | $375/day | $400/day |
Staffing | |||
Custodial/Operations Staff | $45/hr/person | ||
Kitchen Staff | $20/hr/person | ||
Fitness Center Staff | $20/hr/person | ||
Safety Team Staff | $20/hr/person | ||
*Day refers to a 12 hour period of time | |||