5252: Staff Participation in Political Activities

A staff member may seek an elective office provided that the staff member does not campaign on school property. School property, school time, school equipment, school supplies, school resources including but not limited to email accounts and phone equipment, may not be used for political purposes.

District employees, when authorized by the board or superintendent, may provide information or communicate on matters pertaining to school district affairs or advocate the official position or interests of the district to any elected official or officer or employee of any agency. The district will submit statements in compliance with requirements of the Public Disclosure Commission, as required by law.

In the event an employee is elected to office, the employee may request a leave of absence in accordance with the leave policies of the district or the provisions of the applicable labor agreement for the employee. District employees who hold elective or appointive public office in an organization are not entitled to time off from their school duties for reasons incident to such offices except as such time may qualify under leave policies of the district.

The superintendent may establish procedures which specify the conditions under which a staff member can participate in political activities and that are in compliance with the Public Disclosure Commission.

Cross Reference:

Board Policy 4400 Election Activities

Legal References: