Stevensville School District

PERSONNEL

Political Activity

The Board recognizes its employees’ rights of citizenship, including but not limited to engaging in political activities.  A District employee may seek an elective office, provided the employee does not campaign on school property during working hours, and provided all other legal requirements are met.  The District assumes no obligation beyond making such opportunities available.  An employee elected to office is entitled to take a leave of absence without pay, in accordance with the provisions of § 2-18-620, MCA.

No person, in or on District property, will attempt to coerce, command, or require a public employee to support or oppose any political committee, the nomination or election of any person to public office, or the passage of a ballot issue.

No District employee will solicit support for or in opposition to any political committee, the nomination or election of any person to public office, or the passage of a ballot issue, while on the job or in or on District property.

Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict the right of District employees to express their personal political views.

Legal Reference:
5 USC 7321, et seq. Hatch Act
2-18-620, MCA Mandatory leave of absence for employees holding public office – return requirements
13-35-226, MCA Unlawful acts of employers and employees

Policy History:
Adopted on: February 12, 2002
Revised on: June 9, 2009