SPECIAL LEAVE SITUATIONS. The Board and the Association recognize the right of members of the professional staff to participate in political or governmental affairs in a manner afforded any citizen, including jury duty, the necessity to honor a subpoena, to serve as a witness in a court of law (the teacher shall receive full pay, but anything other than expenses shall be returned to the district), the right to campaign for a candidate for election to public office, the right to seek, campaign for, and serve in public offices. Serving as an elected official shall not conflict with terms and conditions of contractual agreement with the Board. Political activities of any teacher seeking or holding office shall be conducted outside the classroom and school premises. An employee shall refrain from exploiting the privilege of his position. Neither shall the teacher exploit pupils in any way for political purposes for himself, or for any party, or candidate. Teachers engaged in political activities shall not use the school, or any of its facilities, for the purpose of seeking or holding public office. Teachers who are seeking or holding public office shall refrain from seeking advice, counsel, and assistance from other teachers during the professional day as defined in Article Eight (VIII).
