Staff Participation in Campaigns
The following Board of Education policies regarding staff participation in election campaigns apply to all elections, ballot measures, and candidates. These policies do not prohibit speech in circumstances where it is protected by law.
Any employee working in a Parkway school/building is required to follow Parkway board policies, even if they are not employed by Parkway. This includes, but is not limited to, SSD educators, Kelly Services, and Nutrition Services staff. Staff are also required to follow any policies from their employer.
Parkway Resources
District resources and funds cannot be used to advocate for or against any candidate or ballot issue, per state law and Board policy.
District resources include, but are not limited to:
- Facilities
- Computers and devices
- Printers
- Parkway email
- Communications channels
- District and school social media and other accounts
District funds may be used to provide factual information to the public about a ballot measure.
Permitted
Staff can support a candidate or a ballot measure using personal time and personal resources.
Not Permitted
Staff cannot use any Parkway resources to advocate, support, or oppose any ballot measure or candidate.
During Work Time
Permitted
Staff have the First Amendment right to join and support campaigns using their personal time and not during work hours. Personal or vacation time is considered outside of work hours.
Not Permitted
Staff cannot engage in political campaigning, including promoting, advocating for, or opposing specific issues, during the workday or during times when they are performing their official duties.
Campaign Donations
Permitted
Staff can choose to personally contribute financially to any campaign outside of work hours.
Not Permitted
Staff shall not solicit donations for a tax increase or bond issue campaign during the workday, nor shall administrators solicit employees whom they supervise.
Campaign Messages
Permitted
Staff have the First Amendment right to share campaign messages using their personal resources, devices, and personal time.
During work hours, staff may share factual information approved by the District on ballot issues or candidates. The information cannot advocate for or against a candidate or ballot measure.
During work hours, staff may encourage citizens to register to vote and give them information on registration, absentee voting, and polling locations.
Not Permitted
Staff cannot wear campaign statements or show visible support for a candidate or ballot measure on the ballot during work hours.
Staff cannot represent their personal opinions as the opinion of the district or associate themselves with their role in Parkway when expressing personal opinions. Employees should clearly indicate when they are speaking or writing as an individual and not as a district representative.
Staff cannot use any school district property to display a campaign message, except at a polling place on election day.
Interacting with Students
Permitted
Campaign material of any kind (material promoting, advocating, or opposing specific issues or candidates) may be distributed to students only if it's part of an academic exercise in the classroom.
Not Permitted
Staff cannot direct students to participate in campaign activity during school time except mock elections and curricular activities.
Staff cannot post or distribute campaign materials unless part of an academic exercise.
Facilities
Permitted
Campaign signage may be displayed in schools as part of general educational activities regarding the election process.
Not Permitted
School property may not be used for campaign activities during hours when classes are in session.
Campaign signage may not be displayed on any district property except within 12 hours of elections at official polling sites.