Distributing or Posting Promotional Literature - May 1997 Revision

This procedural directive was reviewed and revised in December 2010. We provide this revision for historic purposes only.

Informational and Promotional Literature

The Albuquerque Public Schools will cooperate in furthering the work of community-based, non-profit service or civic agencies, organizations, or corporations that support the mission and goals and objectives of the Albuquerque Public Schools.

Distribution of material for these entities will be allowed in the schools subject to the requirements that follow unless the material is determined "unacceptable" as defined. Groups wishing to distribute material at one or more schools must submit the material to the APS Community Relations Office (CRO) at least one week prior to the proposed distribution date. The CRO will approve or disapprove the distribution on the basis of the material’s acceptability and the group’s mission as it relates to the goals of the District, and work with principals and building managers concerning these distributions.

The CRO will provide approved groups with a letter of approval for distribution of literature. The group will be required to provide a copy of the approval letter to the school principal. The principal will determine when and how to distribute material to classrooms and will determine where and for how long materials such as flyers or posters will be displayed.

The group must agree to the following:

1. When material is approved to be distributed to students, the principal will have final authority in deciding when and how literature will be given to students to take home provided that timeliness of information in the material is not compromised.
2. When material is approved to be distributed through the APS inter-office mail, the group must comply with guidelines developed by the CRO and the division of Office Services. Those guidelines may change without notice depending on the CRO and Office Services division work load.
3. No student or employee shall in any way be compelled or coerced to accept any materials; no school employee or student will interfere with the distribution of approved materials.
4. Where groups wish to personally distribute approved material they may do so at places within the school or on the school grounds as designated by the principal except that in no event will group members personally distribute materials in any classroom being occupied by a scheduled class.
5. Groups wishing to personally distribute materials must do so 30 minutes before school and/or 15 minutes after the close of school.

Unacceptable Materials

The following materials are unacceptable:

1. Literature that attacks or impugns any ethnic, religious, or racial group.
2. Material promoting hostility, disorder, or violence.
3. Material that proselytizes or promotes a particular religious or political belief.
4. Advertisement of a product or service for sale or rent unless otherwise specified. (See Fund Raisers and Advertising/Promotional Material).
5. Material that is libelous.
6. Material that inhibits the functioning of the school or interferes with the normal operation of the school.
7. Material that favors or opposes a political candidate, any bond issue, or any other question to be decided at an election (except as specified in the Negotiated Agreement).
8. Any material that is obscene or pornographic as defined by prevailing community standards.

In the event the CRO rejects a request for distribution of materials, the decision may be appealed to the Superintendent and thence to the Board.

Distribution of Fundraising Materials

For an Exploratory/Elective Program

The organization must request a letter of authorization to contact schools from the Community Relations Office or from Curriculum Support for course-related materials, contests, programs, or products. The letter does not imply an endorsement of any product/service.

The organization representatives must submit copies of all materials to be submitted to schools with their request for a letter of authorization. The letter of authorization will clearly state that APS is not necessarily endorsing the services, programs, or products. The organization will be directed to contact the principal or designee before contacting staff members.

If the letter of authorization is granted, the organization may contact school principals. Schools are not obligated to respond to all organizations; responses may be limited according to school goals and programs.

The principal of the school may grant permission for the organization to display posters and distribute materials to teachers or students. If the principals give permission to distribute materials, the organization will be responsible for preparing materials for distribution as the principals directs in accordance with school guidelines.

The principal is not obligated to provide direct access to staff or students to organization representatives. Such access could include assemblies, classroom visits, and meetings with teachers.

For Profit Organizations and Companies

Representatives of companies or individuals seeking access to staff members, students or parents for the purpose of selling or marketing any goods or services must request a letter of authorization from the Community Relations Office or from Curriculum Support for course-related materials, programs, or products. The letter does not imply an endorsement of any product/service.

The company/organization representatives must submit copies of all materials to be submitted to the schools with their request for a letter of authorization. The letter will clearly state that APS is not endorsing the services, products, or programs unless the materials are part of a district textbook adoption. The organization will be directed to contact the principal or designee before contacting staff members.

If the letter of authorization is granted, the organization may contact school principals. Schools are not obligated to respond to all organization; responses may be limited according to school goals and program.

The principal of the school may give permission to the company or individual to make literature available to staff only, not to students. Materials shall be prepared and delivered by authorized representatives according to the direction of the principal in accordance with school guidelines.

No direct access to school employees will be granted during school hours. The principal may, but is not obligated to, allow representatives the opportunity to contact staff members after school hours on school property. In such cases, the normal facility rental fees will apply.

Cross Ref.:

• Board Policy J.26
• Board Policy K.01
• Board Policy K.05
• Board Policy K.07
• Board Policy K.08

NSBA/NEPN Classification: KHC

Revised: May 1995
Revised: April 1996
Revised: May 1997

This page was last updated on: December 9, 2009.