A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to modify its policy preventing home school organizations from using community center facilities for academic purposes.

WHEREAS, over the past several years, a home-schooling group has met at the Bellevue Community Center on a weekly basis for group classroom instruction; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Parks Department recently denied this home-schooling group use of the community center facility, citing a board policy prohibiting such facilities from being used for academic purposes; and

WHEREAS, as tax-paying citizens, parents who home school their children should be entitled to reasonable use of community center facilities for any lawful purpose, including academic instruction; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation has the sole authority for the formation of policies to be followed in the administration of the parks and recreation system; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council appropriates funding for the operating budget of the parks system on an annual basis; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan board of Parks and Recreation allow home school groups to use community center facilities for classroom instruction, provided adequate time is left open for other groups to book the facilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to modify its policy preventing home school organizations from using community center facilities for academic purposes.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Roy Wilson, the Director of Parks, and to each member of the Board of Parks and Recreation.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Eric Crafton