In the Matter of: Lynnville-Sully CSD | BA 2024-29 Admonishment for Improper Use of Public Resources |
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Iowa Code section 68A.505 prohibits the use of public moneys for political purposes, including expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate for public office. Iowa Administrative Code rule 351-5.1 states “the Board will construe the phrase ‘expenditure of public moneys for political purposes’ broadly to include the use of public resources generally.”
Furthermore, Iowa Administrative Code rule 351-5.4 states that the aforementioned restriction applies to, among others, officials and employees of a public school and that “using public resources to produce and distribute communications that expressly advocate for or against” a ballot measure is prohibited. To that end, public entities are prohibited from engaging in campaign related communications on their official social media accounts.
Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code rule 351-9.4(6), the above-named entity is hereby admonished to exercise care in the future to ensure full compliance with Iowa’s government ethics and campaign laws.
Dated this 8th day of October 2024.
Issued on behalf of the Board by:
Zach Goodrich, Executive Director and Legal Counsel