Bond Communication GuidelinesBrad Domitrovich, Director of School and Community Relations

Bond Communication GuidelinesBrad Domitrovich, Director of School and Community Relations

Communication Overview

✤ The information presented here will help us as

we prepare for the upcoming Bond Election on

November 2, 2010.✤ The information only applies to the time after

the Board of Trustees officially calls the bond

election.✤ Until the election is called, full discussion and a

certain amount of advocacy is allowable.

Texas Election Code

✤ An officer or employee of a school district may not spend

or authorize the spending of public funds for any type

political advertising.✤ The Election Code does not apply to any communications

that factually describe the purpose of a measure as long

as the communication does not advocate passage or

defeat of the election.✤ A person who violates the code commits an offense

which is considered a Class A Misdemeanor.

Political Advertising

✤ Political Advertising is a communication that

advocates a particular outcome in an election and

includes statements made in writing or orally.✤ newspaper, magazine, or other periodical✤ broadcast by radio or television✤ appears in a pamphlet, circular, flyer, billboard, sign, bumper

sticker✤ written communications✤ email or on an website

What is advocacy?

✤ A lot of school district employees and officers

have violated the bond ethics laws by engaging

in communication that is considered advocacy.✤ Asking for support or rejection of a bond

election is advocacy.✤ Using statements such as "Vote For X" and

"Defeat Y" is also advocacy.

Some Ethics No-No’s

✤ It is very important for your children and the

school district that we approve this bond.✤ I am confident that you will research and

make the right choice.✤ The future of our school lies in your hand.✤ This bond is the right thing to do for our

children.

More Ethics No-No’s

✤ Please support our vision.✤ Although I cannot formally endorse the bond,

there is a choice that many of our leaders

favor.✤ Show that you care about our kids.✤ Help us help our children.

Even More Ethics No-No’s

✤ Best solution✤ Fantastic✤ State of the art✤ Countless benefits✤ Horrible shape✤ We must do something

Complaints and Violations

✤ Any individual may file a sworn complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission alleging a violation of certain laws.

✤ To start the process, a sworn complaint must be filed on a form prescribed by the Commission.

✤ The Commission is authorized to undertake civil enforcement actions, hold enforcement hearings, issue orders, impose civil penalties and refer matters for criminal prosecution.

Just remember ...

✤Any employee of the District

can violate the Election Code,

not just those in a position of

leadership.

What are considered“district resources?

✤ District resources include use of the telephone, computers, copiers, facilities, etc.

✤ The District may not purchase or authorize the purchase of new materials or use existing materials for use in creating or distributing political advertising.

✤ It is not permissible to use the paid time of District employees to create or distribute political advertising.

What can the district do?

✤ The District is to provide factual information.✤ Proposed projects and costs✤ Voting times and locations✤ Growth rate/enrollment trends✤ Performance data✤ Student capacity✤ Age and condition of buildings✤ Tax Rate effects

Some things to consider ...

Summary

✤ Until a bond election is called by the Board of

Trustees, officers and employees of the district

may discuss and utilize a certain amount of

advocacy regarding a bond election.✤ Once a bond election is called, officers and

employees of the district may only disseminate

factual information.

Questions?

Bond Communication GuidelinesBrad Domitrovich, Director of School and Community Relations