BCC - Nepotism

NEPOTISM

It is the intent of this policy to ensure that employment practices comply with Maine’s “prohibited appointments and employment” statute, 20-A §MRSA 2002 and to avoid favoritism and the appearance of favoritism in employment practices.

Definitions:

	For the purpose of this policy:

A.	“Immediate family” means spouse, brother, sister, parent, son, or daughter.

B.	“Administrative supervision” refers to the authority of a person in the position of principal or higher.

Employment

It shall be the policy of the Regional School Unit 1 Board not to employ as school unit staff any person who is a member of the immediate family of a Board member or of the Superintendent.  

By Maine law (20-A M.R.S.A. § 1002(2)), a Board member’s spouse is precluded from employment under any circumstances in any public school within the jurisdiction of the Board to which the member is elected. 

Supervision and Evaluation

No person shall be employed in or assigned to a position that is within the administrative supervision of a member of their immediate family, nor in a position in which they are supervised or evaluated, in whole or in part, by a member of their immediate family.

Exceptions

In extraordinary circumstances, the Board may approve an exception to the prohibitions on the employment of immediate family so long as the candidate is qualified for the position to which they have applied, the hiring is in the best interest of the school system and its students, and the candidate is not the spouse of a Board member.

Volunteers

Under Maine law (20-A M.R.S.A. § 1002(2-A)), a board member or board member’s spouse may not serve as a volunteer when that volunteer has primary responsibility for a curricular, co-curricular, or extracurricular program or activity and reports directly to the superintendent, principal, athletic director, or other school administrator within the jurisdiction of the Board.									

Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1002

Cross Reference: BCB - Board Member Conflict of Interest

Adopted: March 26, 2012

Revised: June 15, 2026