5252 Staff Participation in Political Activities
STAFF PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
The board recognizes the right of its employees, as citizens, to engage in political activities. A staff member may seek an elective office provided that the staff member does not campaign on school property during working hours. District property and work time, supported by public funds, may not be used for political purposes.
No board member or employee of the district may use or authorize the use of any of the facilities of the district, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a campaign for election of any person to any office or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition. Facilities of the district include, but are not limited to, use of stationery, postage, machines, and equipment, use of employees of the district during working hours, vehicles, office space, publications of the district, and clientele lists of persons served by the district. These restrictions do not apply to the following activities: (1) The board may take action at an open public meeting to express a collective decision, or to vote upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot proposition so long as (a) any required notice of the meeting includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and (b) members of the board or members of the public are afforded an approximately equal opportunity for the expression of an opposing view; (2) A board member may make a statement in support of or in opposition to any ballot proposition at an open press conference or in response to a specific inquiry; and (3) Activities which are part of the normal and regular conduct of the office or agency.
In the event the staff member 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 any applicable labor agreement for the employee. District employees who hold elective or appointive public office are not entitled to time off from their district duties for reasons incident to such office, unless the circumstances surrounding the leave request qualify under leave policies of the district.
No individual shall solicit on district property for any contribution to be used for partisan political purpose.
Cross Reference:
- Board Policy 4400 Election Activities
Legal References:
- RCW42.17A.555 Use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns – Prohibition – Exceptions
- RCW42.17A.635 Legislative activities of state agencies, other units of government, elective officials, employees
Management Resources:
- 2015 – October Policy Issue
Adoption Date: 6.17.03
Stanwood-Camano School District
Revised: 9.06.16
Reviewed: 7.24