Download - Bond Communication Guidelines
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