New AAPS Policy Interpretation Creates Campaign Advantage for Incumbent School Board Candidate Facing Re-Election

On September 4, 2024, the AAPS district prohibited the distribution of campaign literature on School campuses. This unprecedented decision creates an advantage for incumbent candidates, who already have name recognition. It may also limit political speech. This begs the question: What or who asked the School Board to seek a legal opinion on this policy? Why did an incumbent trustee running for re-election send a threatening email to his opponents? Given the chilling effect the interpretation has on campaigning, why won’t the Trustees modify Bylaw 1650, allowing all candidates to use school entrances as they have been used for the last 15 years?