The Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors said it moved its Sept. 9 regular meeting to a virtual setting because staff had been subjected to threatening and harassing behavior in person and online, including posts of personal information and intimidation that prompted some staff to involve law enforcement.

“Due to safety concerns, the board of directors made the decision to move this meeting to a virtual setting,” said the board president at the meeting opening, adding that the decision “was not a decision made lightly.” The board president said the shift aimed to “provide a safe and respectful environment to listen to public comment” and to protect staff.

Board members elaborated during closing remarks. Director Grunwald said the shift was about preventing harm and protecting people who might be in the room: “My fear was that we would be creating a space…that would create even more of not good feelings, and I just didn't I was not okay with creating a space for someone else to get hurt, because of us.” Board members also said they had been in close consultation about security and that state law requires the district to provide a location for the public to view the meeting even when it is virtual.

Several speakers criticized the move. “The board has held contentious in-person meetings during strikes and budget cuts for years. Tonight, the public is still allowed to gather in the boardroom where they are meeting safely while the board hides behind computer screens,” said Adam Aguilera, who identified himself as a teacher. Other commenters said the virtual shift communicated a lack of accountability and questioned whether the board was avoiding direct engagement with constituents.

The board accepted public comments remotely and set a three-minute limit per speaker. The meeting then continued with the public comment period, routine consent items and board remarks. The board approved the evening’s agenda at the start of the session and later adopted both the board and superintendent consent agendas by motion and voice vote during the meeting.

Board members said they were sensitive to optics and intended the decision to be about safety, not avoidance. They also said they were meeting daily to seek a resolution to the labor dispute raised repeatedly during public comment. No board action regarding the dispute itself was taken during the meeting.

Less critical details: the district provided pre-recorded or written statements on bargaining timelines on its website, and the board said it continues to value transparency and hopes to rebuild trust with staff and families after a tentative agreement and ratification are reached.