Board adopts first and second reading of facilities-use policy restricting political or partisan events indoors

Administration presented proposed revisions to policies 13-30, 13-31 and 13-33 to explicitly prohibit political or partisan activities on district property, noting the language already existed for outdoor venues and the intent was to align indoor facilities with that standard. "We should probably have language that supports whether we're saying yes or no and why," the presenter said, citing past requests from outside groups.

Some board members pushed back, arguing it can be difficult to separate education from politics. "All education is political whether we like it or not," one board member said, warning that allowing some groups and not others could appear partisan. Another board member asked whether routine visits by elected officials — such as the state superintendent visiting to review programming — would still be allowed; administrators said invited tours and meetings by officials would not be considered partisan uses when the district itself invited them.

A recent request from a former presidential candidate that included a performance with questionable content was described as an example that drove the proposed language, although administration noted scheduling conflicts were the immediate reason that request was denied.

The board moved to approve revised policy and rule 13-30, policy 13-31 and policy 13-33 as a first and second reading on June 24; the motion carried on a voice vote. Administration said separate guidance exists for groups that use facilities on a voluntary basis before or after school and that staff would continue to allow voluntary, non-compulsory meetings.