COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES  

Employees have a right to express their views on any issue, but must in each case make clear that the view expressed is their own personal opinion. 

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES  

Employees may, on their own time, campaign for or against any candidate or referendum, but they shall not use the classroom, school property, district resources, or system position for political forum nor engage in any political promotion or solicitation during school hours.  Employees who do not comply with these requirements shall be subject to disciplinary action. 

Any employee who intends to campaign for an elective public office which infringes upon a contracted agreement shall present a proposed solution to the Board for consideration. The essential element to be determined by the Board is whether the activities proposed by the employee are consistent with his services to the school system and the best interests of education.  Solicitation or advertising in any form by candidates for public office or political-oriented organizations (for example, issues on a public ballot) is not permitted.  Political literature shall not be distributed through the school to students, nor sent home to parents, nor placed in teachers’ mailboxes, lounges, or on school premises. 

Approved as to Legal Form 
By Knox County Law Director 3/27/2023 
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director