Policy: 5252
Personnel
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 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 quarterly statements in compliance with requirements of the Public Disclosure Commission.
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 the applicable labor collective bargaining 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.
Cross References:
4400 – Election Activities
Legal References:
RCW 41.06.250 Political activities
RCW 42.17.555 Forbids use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns
RCW 42.17.190 Legislative activities of state agencies and other units of government
Management Resources: 2015 – October Issue
Adopted 8/2012
Revised 1/2016