6430 - Political Activities

Policy: Political Activities	Policy Number: 6430
Date of Original Policy: 07/10/2002	Date Revision Adopted: 01/19/2022
Reviewed by Policy Committee: 10/17/2018	Date of Next Review: 11/18/2024
Replacement of Policy Number:

The Board of Education recognizes the right of its employees, as citizens, to engage in political activities and to 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 or during school times. When such speech or action occurs on school grounds 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 or beliefs. However, teachers are encouraged to address issues of current events for their instructional and informational value to students, to invite public or political figures to visit the classroom as a community resource, and to motivate students to participate in the political process.

Solicitations by Staff Personnel

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

Non-School Employment

Any employee of the Jordan-Elbridge Central School District shall not engage in, solicit, negotiate for or promise to accept private employment or render services for private interest when such employment or service creates a conflict with or impairs the proper discharge of their official duties.