PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CHEROKEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
AND
THE SEQUOYAH REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM
This agreement entered into on this 14th day of September, 2023, by and between The Cherokee County Board of Education, hereinafter referred to as the “School Board,” and Sequoyah Regional Library System, hereinafter referred to as “Library System,”
WHEREAS, the School Board’s mission is to educate the emerging generation through learning environments designed to increase the performance of all students; and,
WHEREAS, one of the School District’s Priority Areas is Family, Partner and Community Engagement; and,
WHEREAS, the Library System is composed of eight branches: R.T. Jones Memorial Library, Ball Ground Public Library, Hickory Flat Public Library, Rose Creek Public Library, Woodstock Public Library, Cherokee County Law Library, Pickens County Public Library and Gilmer County Public Library; and,
WHEREAS, the Library System desires to contribute to the education of Cherokee County students in conjunction with the School Board.
Now therefore in consideration of the covenants and conditions set forth herein the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
The parties agree that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
ARTICLE II
The School Board will:
1. Disseminate Library System information (brochures relative to programs) and student opportunities through existing communication channels, as permitted by School Board policy.
2. Communicate with Library System officials relative to future construction/renovation projects where land may be made available for construction of a public library facility.
3. Invite a Library System official to attend annual meetings conducted by School District media specialists.
4. Provide the opportunity for reciprocal use of facilities (waiving the rental fee), as scheduled and requested by Library System officials and abide by the rules and regulations contained in any facility use contracts utilized by the Library System. The School Board may request for a waiver to provide refreshments at professional development courses/conferences.
5. Pursue joint grant opportunities in both parties’ interests.
6. Provide a link to the Library System website from the School Board website.
ARTICLE III
Library System will:
1. Provide the opportunity for reciprocal use of facilities (waiving the rental fee), as scheduled and requested by the School Board and abide by the rules and regulations contained in the facility use contract at each school facility that the Library System may use and those contained in the Community Use of System Facilities Policy (KG). All other fees associated with the use of facilities may apply (supervisory, custodial, security, etc.).
2. Provide summer programming information and provide related flyers, posters and a promotional video to the elementary, middle, and high schools.
3. Provide judges for school contests and related functions upon request, based on staff time and availability.
4. Participate in school functions as outreach upon request, based on staff time and availability.
5. Pursue joint grant opportunities in both parties’ interests.
6. Provide display space for student artwork and School Board information as space and schedule allows, as permitted by library system policy.
7. Provide a link to the School Board website from the Library System website.
8. Accept all children/interested participants for participation within its programs without regard to their gender, race, political affiliation, age, national origin or handicapping condition or any other discrimination recognized and prohibited by State or Federal Law. Children/participants with handicaps must be provided all necessary levels of supervision and must be included within the activities of the partnering organization. As a result of this partnership agreement, the Library System must adhere to all local, State or Federal laws regarding education.
ARTICLE IV
The term of this Agreement is September 14, 201723 through September 14, 201824. This Agreement shall automatically renew for additional terms not to exceed five years unless either party notifies the other at least 60 days prior to renewal date.
ARTICLE V
This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party with or without cause. All notice of this Agreement shall be given to the Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools at PO Box 769, Canton, GA 30169, and to the Director of the Sequoyah Regional Library System, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, GA 30114.