Superintendent says volunteers used Wilson Elementary for recall petition; police involved and district will trespass if identified

Superintendent Dr. French told the Caldwell School District board May 11 that the district responded to social media reports that individuals planned to use Wilson Elementary School property to solicit signatures for a recall ballot measure.

Dr. French said he contacted the Caldwell Police Department on Saturday and again on Sunday to request assistance in having the group relocate from school grounds, which he described as political activity the district cannot permit under Idaho law and district policy. "Neither a public entity nor any of its employees shall use nor shall a public official authorize or use public property or resources to advocate for or against a candidate or a ballot measure," he told trustees, citing Idaho code and board policy.

District response: Dr. French said the district would work with the Caldwell Police Department to determine whether further steps were warranted and that the district intends to trespass any individuals it identifies who engaged in political solicitation on school property.

Context and legal basis: The superintendent referenced Idaho law restricting the use of public property for advocacy and noted a district policy that prohibits using schools to advocate for or against candidates or ballot measures. Board members asked for follow-up with the police chief to clarify procedures and any additional steps the district should take.