4400: Election Activities

The district, as part of its mission to educate and instill civic responsibility, will assure that the community is appropriately informed about district and education related ballot measures through objective and fair presentations of the facts related to those measures. The superintendent will develop procedures to implement this policy that are consistent with the guidelines provided by the Public Disclosure Commission at http://www.pdc.wa.gov/.

District Ballot Measures

Prior to an election on a district ballot measure, the district will publish to the entire community an objective and fair presentation of the facts relevant to the ballot measure. Normal and regular publications of the district will also continue to be published during election cycles and may contain fair, objective and relevant discussions of the facts of pending election issues.

Board Resolutions on Ballot Measures

The board may consider adopting resolutions expressing the board’s collective opinion on ballot measures (state and local, including district levy and bond measures) that impact the effective operation of the schools. Such a resolution will be considered at a board meeting, the short title and proposition number of the ballot measure will be included in the meeting notice, and an equal opportunity will be provided for views on both sides of the issue to be expressed.

Use of Public Facilities for Partisan Purposes

Public resources will not be used to assist in any candidate’s campaign or to support or oppose any ballot measure. “Resources” include district phones, email accounts, paid staff time, supplies, equipment, and other items described in RCW 42.17A.555.

Use of Public Buildings for Partisan Purposes

Public buildings may not be used to assist in any candidate’s campaign or to support or oppose any ballot measure except when rented on the same terms and conditions available to other community groups.

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Cross References:

Board Policy 2022 Electronic Information System (K-20 Network) Board Policy 4260 Use of Facilities Board Policy 5252 Staff Participation in Political Activities

Legal References:

RCW 28A.320.090	Preparing and distributing information on the district’s instructional program, operation and maintenance — Limitation
RCW 42.17A.555	Use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns — Prohibitions —Exceptions
WAC 390-05-271	General application of RCW 42.17.130
WAC 390-05-273	Definition of normal and regular conduct

Management Resources:

Policy News, August 2001 PDC Issues Election Guidelines for Schools