Published: April 15, 2008 08:53 am            

Greater Clark County Schools board clarifies political policies

With allegations and acknowledgment that wrongdoing has occurred, members of the Greater Clark County Schools Board of Trustees reviewed and clarified policy regarding political activities on school grounds and by school employees Monday morning.

Using school mail systems, students or school property to campaign or distribute materials is forbidden, said Sandra Lewis, general counsel for the school corporation, during the board’s special meeting.

Teachers can invite local, state and federal candidates into classrooms to speak, but only if all sides are given equal opportunity. And the school’s Internet is not to be used for political purposes — except by the teachers union, she said.

Those issues are being addressed as accusations have surfaced regarding political signs being placed on school grounds and other rule violations.

“These things have been violated,” said Bob McEwen, board president. “If you’ve been to a school function, you’ve seen things passed out.”

“We’re not saying you can’t wear a T-shirt or button or pin,” Lewis said.

Further, she added that bumper stickers were OK on cars, but not in the classroom. If political signs are being used in the classroom for educational purposes, all sides have to be presented.

Board member Bill Halter said that he had seen signs posted on school property. Candidates need to make sure their supporters or enemies aren’t putting those up, he said.

The school corporation’s rules on political activities were adopted in 1991.

“This might be a good time just to clarify what is our school board policy,” McEwen said.

Board members also discussed their role in enforcing the rules. Board member Ernie Gilbert said he’s heard the accusations, asking “do we have an obligation to report these things?”

Lewis explained that the board comes together to conduct school-related business and that it did not have the authority to report alleged election-law violation to the county prosecutor’s office. She said individual candidates or supporters could report such matters to the authorities, not the board as a whole.

“It does not appear when looking at the law that’s within the board’s parameters,” Lewis said.

        

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