3044: Political Activity by Staff Members
The Board recognizes its individual employees’ rights of citizenship, including, but not limited to, engaging in political activities. An employee of the ESU may seek an elective office, provided that the staff member does not campaign on school property during working hours, and provided all other legal requirements are met. The ESU assumes no obligation beyond making such opportunities available.
The following activities are prohibited during an employee’s work time (including duty-free lunch and planning periods):
- Soliciting votes or contributions for or against a particular candidate or ballot proposition.
- Discussing with students opinions regarding a political candidate or ballot proposition unless the topic is part of the approved curriculum.
- Preparing, displaying, wearing or distributing campaign literature, materials, or signs for or against a candidate or ballot proposition (this prohibition does not apply to bumper stickers on personal vehicles).
- Soliciting volunteers to assist with a campaign for or against a political candidate or ballot proposition.
- Preparing for, organizing, or participating in any political meeting, petition, rally, or event.
- Other prohibited political activity as defined by state law.
The following activities are prohibited at all times:
- Using any ESU resources including, but not limited to, facsimile machines, copy machines, computers or e-mail accounts, for political campaign activities.
- Using ESU property or facilities for any political campaign activities, unless such use is approved pursuant to school board rules or policy.
- Spending ESU funds to urge votes to vote for or against a candidate or ballot proposition
- Requiring employees to engage in political campaign activities as part of their job duties.
- Providing employees with additional compensation or benefits for engaging in political activities.
- Representing an employee’s personal political position as the position of the ESU or the board of education.
- Engaging in any other activity prohibited by state law.
Adopted on: December 10, 2018
Revised on: ________________
Reviewed on: April 11, 2022