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 the staff member does not campaign on district property during working hours. District property and work time, supported by public funds, may not be used for political purposes.

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 collective bargaining agreement. District employees who hold elective or appointive public office in an organization are not entitled to time off from their district duties for reasons incident to such offices unless the circumstances surrounding the leave request 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.

Cross Reference:	Board Policy 4400	Election Activities
Legal References:	RCW 41.06.250	Political activities
	RCW 42.17.130	Forbids use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns (valid until January 1, 2012 — recodified as RCW 42.17A.555)
	RCW 42.17.190	Legislative activities of state agencies and other units of government

Adoption Date: 06.12.95

Former Policy Number: 5224

Clover Park School District

Revised: 01.13.03; 08.13.12; 01.11.16

Discretionary