Legal briefing reviews Ohio rules on political activity at school property, signs and booster groups

The Riverside Local School District received a legal briefing on Aug. 14 about the rules that govern political activity on school property and limits on public resources. Attorney Dan McIntyre told the board the discussion covered Ohio statutes and district policies that determine when school property can be used for candidate events, what political materials are allowed, and limits on soliciting public employees.

McIntyre cited a statute he identified as "33 13.78" (as discussed in the meeting) saying school premises must be made available free of charge to certified candidates or recognized political parties for public discussions of public questions, but may not be used for political fundraising. He noted that the district’s board policy 75 10 reflects that requirement.

He said another state statute (quoted in the session as "9.03") permits political subdivisions to inform their communities about district activities — for example, newsletters or email blasts — but forbids those communications from supporting or opposing political issues or candidates. McIntyre said the auditor of state has interpreted related provisions in guidance on levy‑campaign conduct.

McIntyre and board members discussed allowances and limits for signage at polling places. He said districts may choose to permit signs at polling locations on election day but must be neutral and treat all candidates equally; Riverside’s policies currently prohibit posting signs on district property. Board members noted that people often place signs the day before an election and that enforcement is practically difficult.

The attorney also addressed booster and parent organizations. McIntyre said truly independent booster groups (registered nonprofit corporations with separate EINs) may act independently, including selling advertising; the district has the right to regulate distribution of materials on school property and should verify whether a booster group is an independent 501(c)(3). He said district‑affiliated parent groups that are not independent organizations require closer oversight and the district should avoid commingling booster funds with school funds.

McIntyre warned district staff and board members that district resources, apps and platforms cannot be used for political lobbying per policy (noted in the meeting as Policy 75 40 0 2 and Policy 9700). He recommended vigilance about employees using district resources for campaigning and suggested a cease‑and‑desist and possible disciplinary action when violations occur.

Board members asked specific operational questions: whether employees may wear campaign buttons or bumper stickers, and how to handle candidates distributing literature at games or parking trailers with campaign signs. McIntyre said wearing a small button may not rise to prohibited activity but active campaigning (large shirts, trailers covered in signs, staffed booths) during school events is more likely to violate district policy and may be subject to removal.

The briefing included repeated practical advice to log incidents, review booster nonprofit filings with the Ohio Secretary of State and apply district policy consistently. Board members asked McIntyre to be available if they needed rapid legal guidance during election season.

No policy changes were voted at the meeting; the session was advisory and intended to clarify legal risks and enforcement challenges ahead of the fall election cycle.