Policy No. 2200: Election Campaign Ethics for District Ballot Measures
Purpose and Philosophy
Periodically, the Cache Board of Education may seek ballot initiatives for public support. This policy represents a commitment by the Board that the district will follow the election laws established in the State of Utah. Further, the Board wishes to assure patrons that fair, appropriate, and responsible standards will be applied to such ballot initiatives and subsequent pre-election activities.
Commitment to Inform
The Board recognizes the distinctions between the concepts of informing the public about the ballot initiative(s) and promoting the ballot initiative(s). During the pre-election activities, the District will actively inform the public- including the work/rationale that preceded the decision to consider the item as a ballot initiative– of matters regarding the prospect of seeking passage for an important matter during an upcoming election. This work of informing the public may include the reasonable use of district resources.
Promotion
Actively promoting the ballot initiative by aggressively soliciting endorsements, campaign donations, and “yes” votes will be kept separate from district resources. A ‘Citizens Committee’ may lead the promotional activities of the ballot initiative. Donations and the activities of the campaign intended to solicit endorsements and “yes” votes will be under the purview of this committee. The District’s resources (other than possibly using school/district venues for the committee meetings or relying on district informational materials) will not be part of the promotion of the ballot initiative(s).
Neutrality
Employees of the district may, consistent with their individual rights express their individual political views during campaigns. They may not, however, in their official capacity with the school district, engage in debates or persuasive discussions with students, staff, or parents.
Transparency
This policy has been created so that the citizens and patrons of Cache County School District can have confidence in the motives and transparency of the Board of Education in how campaigns for ballot initiatives will be conducted. The Board directs the superintendent to develop procedures to guide the conduct and activities of individuals within the school district during campaigns regarding district ballot initiatives.
Legal References:
Approved by the Board of Education: August 17, 2023