RSU 9 prohibits staff involvement in political activities during school hours – Daily Bulldog
Alvin M. Keeling
2 min read
FARMINGTON — At the RSU 9 board meeting on Tuesday night, the board voted unanimously to ban staff from participating in political activities during school hours and on school grounds.
Political activities mentioned in the revised policy include campaigning; using their position as employees to influence the political opinions of students, parents or others; wear political clothing or display campaign paraphernalia; and raise funds or distribute campaign materials.
The policy also prohibits staff members from using school resources to promote candidates or political parties. This includes school-owned laptops, copiers, scanners, or email services.
Employees are still permitted to discuss political and controversial issues, and they are permitted to bring in political candidates as guest speakers provided they comply with board policy. The policy also continues to allow “mock elections, debates, conventions, or other simulated political activities, where the activity is intended as an educational experience.”
In his latest report, Superintendent Christian Elkington provided an update regarding meals and remote learning days. His report says most federal waivers are now over and only school meals will be reimbursed by the state and federal government.
If a school is required to have a COVID-19-related closure, the meals it would provide to students would be paid for by the state and federal government, as COVID-19 closures are still supported under waivers granted. by the federal government.
The report also states that throughout the 22-23 school year, remote learning days will no longer replace snow days.
“We will not be offering a remote school option on a snowy day, for example, for this reason, due to weather-related blackouts and lack of connectivity, and the emotional health of students. enjoying a day of snow,” Elkington wrote in his report. .
Principal Alexander Creznic raised concerns about the “Gender 101” poster displayed outside the guidance counselor’s office. The board agreed that it would not address the issue until it was put on the agenda for a future meeting.
