Attorney reviews Rockwood’s electioneering policy; new rule bars employees from wearing campaign clothing at work

An outside attorney reviewed the Rockwood School District’s electioneering policy and regulation (policy 0380/regulation 0380) and reminded the board of state restrictions on the use of public funds and district resources for campaign advocacy.

Lisa Stumpf, who presented the annual review, said Rockwood’s rules are based on Missouri statute 115.646, which she summarized as prohibiting the use of public funds by officers, employees, or agents of political subdivisions to advocate for or against candidates or ballot measures. Stumpf noted that the statute has a criminal penalty for purposeful violations and that similar restrictions apply to use of district communications channels, copy machines, postage, and other district-paid resources.

Stumpf described the regulation’s explicit prohibitions: distributing political literature to students on school property; using students to carry campaign materials to adults; erecting or displaying political signs on district property that advocate for or against candidates (with limited exceptions at polling places on election day); and using district social-media accounts for advocacy. She said the regulation also leaves room for informational, neutral communications about ballot measures if they are approved by the communications department.

Stumpf highlighted a change from previous guidance: district employees may not wear clothing or buttons during working hours or while performing official duties that endorse or oppose a current candidate or ballot measure. She said employees retain free-speech rights but must campaign only on personal time and without using district resources. Stumpf said the communications department should approve informational materials about ballot issues and that board members must not participate in decisions about whether material constitutes advocacy.

Board members asked practical questions about open-house events, vendor tables and candidate presence. Stumpf said candidates may attend open, public events held on district property but that if a candidate is given the opportunity to set up or distribute materials, other candidates must be offered the same opportunity; a candidate may not simply show up at a school event and hand out campaign literature during school hours.

Stumpf concluded by inviting questions and said staff would consult counsel as needed.

The board took no formal policy-change vote at this meeting; the presentation served as the annual review required under the policy and regulation.