Policy: 5252

Section: 5000 - Personnel

Title: Staff Participation in Political Activities

Status: Active

Adopted: September 30, 2014

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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. School property and school time, supported by public funds, may not be used for political purposes.

District staff, 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 quarterly statements in compliance with requirements of the Public Disclosure Commission. http://www.pdc.wa.gov

In the event the staff member is elected to office, he/she 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 staff member. District staff 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 is directed to 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 http://www.pdc.wa.gov.

 

Cross Reference: 

Policy 4400 Election Activities

Legal References: 

RCW 41.06.250 Political activities

RCW 42.17A.555 Use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns – Prohibition – Exceptions

RCW 42.17A.635 Legislative activities of state agencies and other units of government, elective officials, employees

 

Adoption Date: 09.30.14

Ferndale School District

Revised: