CAN A COUNTY EMPLOYEE FILE FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER AND CONTINUE TO HOLD HIS JOB ELECTED?

Question

I have filed to run for school board member in the county i live in. Iam presently a county employee and have been told if i win the election i would have to quit my job. Ican not get a clear answer from the attorney general . I would just like a clear answer because i cannot quit my job for a position that pays $75.00 per month

Answer 1

Probably considered a "conflict of interest". Would depend on if the position would have any say on the Counties positions concerning the schools.

Answer 2

Perhaps you should have found out before hand.

My understanding is that would present a conflict of interest, perhaps you really should contact the school board to find out what their bylaws are.

Answer 3

Since the school districts are separate from county governments in Kentucky, I can not see how you could be forced to resign a county job if elected.

Answer 4

Can't speak for Kentucky but in most states, as it is here, you can hold your job while you are running but as soon as you're elected you are relieved of duty from your lower position.  You cannot work for yourself which is essentially what you would be doing as a government leader even if you work in a completely different department.  It's a conflict of interest.  I know, I've run!  

School Board is a good starting point for politics but you better have another income source which, by the way, cannot conflict with board business either.  If you work for a contractor and the board is looking to hire that contractor to do a job then you have to remain hands off.  You don't even get to give a thumbs up or down on the matter.  It would be a conflict of interest and violate most charters.