6430 --Personnel

SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE ACTIVITIES

American democracy places a special premium upon responsible citizenship. Therefore, the Board of Education recognizes that employees may be active participants in political affairs, engage in political activities and exercise their constitutionally-protected rights to address matters of public concern.

However, a District employee's constitutional rights to raise matters of public concern are limited when the speech or action occurs on school grounds and/or during school times. When such speech or action occurs on school grounds and/or during school time, the Board of Education can impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of the speech or action, and can further regulate the content of such speech when it materially imperils the efficient operation of the school.

Teachers may not use their classrooms or school surroundings as a means to promote their personal political views and beliefs, however, teachers are encouraged to address issues of current events for their instructional and informational value to students. When inviting public and/or political figures to visit the classroom as a community resource, and to motivate students to participate in the political process, a balance of views should be represented. At no time should political campaign materials be distributed to students.

In cases where staff members are making political endorsements, they should do so on their own time, at places other than School District property, and in a manner that clearly does not appear to represent or to be attributable to the School District.

The Board of Education believes that staff member participation in community activities improves school-community relations. The Board therefore encourages District staff to participate in such activities.

Staff members shall not be engaged in advertising or commercial solicitations on school time, except as authorized by the Superintendent and/or designee.

NOTE: Refer also to Policy #5560 -- Use of Federal Funds for Political Expenditures

Adoption Date: March 13, 2007

Revised: April 21, 2008