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MSAD 52 amends superintendent job description to allow advocacy with legislators, board asks for reporting
Summary
The MSAD 52 board approved wording allowing the superintendent to advocate district interests at the state and federal level, after members debated whether the change preserved staff neutrality and the board’s policy on political activity.
The MSAD 52 Board of Directors voted Nov. 1 to revise the superintendent’s job description to explicitly permit the superintendent to advocate for the district’s interests before state and federal lawmakers. Board members said the change is intended to give the district a timely voice during rapidly moving legislative sessions.
Why it matters: The district had a long internal discussion over whether allowing the superintendent to use district time or resources for legislative advocacy would conflict with existing staff political‑activity restrictions and risk the perception of partisanship. Multiple board members argued the superintendent needs discretion to represent the district’s operational needs to state agencies and lawmakers.
What the board did: The board added a line authorizing the superintendent to speak with legislators on district matters, and it requested that the superintendent report back to the board on any such communications. The motion passed after discussion; several board members asked that the board be copied on legislative communications as a check.
Debate highlights: Board member Anthony raised concerns that allowing a special exemption might erode public trust and blur the line between neutral administration and political advocacy. "When a superintendent details the projected costs or administrative burden of the bill, that communication ceases to be neutral information and becomes a persuasive instrument…without necessary board mandate," he said.
Supporters argued the change is practical and existing board oversight can manage the risk: "If we don't allow for the superintendent to have a relationship with our state senator or representatives, there will be a real disconnect and a lack of voice," one board member said, noting examples where superintendent outreach helped district projects advance.
Implementation: The board asked the superintendent to provide periodic updates to the board on legislative contacts and to copy the board on substantive communications where feasible. The change will be implemented immediately and the superintendent’s office is responsible for reporting back at the board’s November executive session and in subsequent public updates where legally appropriate.
