Board renews youth services officer contract after divided debate; vote 4–3

The Beaverton School District board voted 4–3 on May 13 to renew contracts supporting the district’s Youth Services Officer (YSO) program, despite divided public comment and board concern about racial disparities in officer referrals.

The motion, which the board adopted, authorized the superintendent to execute contract renewals for continued delivery of services by YSOs. The vote followed public testimony that both supported continuing trained officers on campus and criticized the program as harmful to marginalized students.

Supporters, including Melissa Laird, chair of the ESPD advisory committee, told the board the long partnership among the district, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaverton Police Department brings on-site officers who “are already familiar with the school environments, policies, and student support practices.” Laird said YSOs help with safety, crisis response and “discreet” emergency communication.

Washington County Sheriff Caprice Massey, who also spoke, described the YSO role through a personal example: her daughter has been the target of racial slurs and threats, and Massey said the assigned YSO provided on-site support and accountability that families rely on. “They know her. They care for her, and they are providing those critical supports and accountability that isn't always present in our school system,” Massey said.

Several board members and public speakers urged changes and stronger data collection. Board member Ogana said she would vote no, arguing the program causes racial harm and urging more counselors and social workers instead. At least one board member cited referral statistics showing Black students were overrepresented among referrals to the juvenile system in recent terms; the district said it will pursue improved data collection and reporting.

District staff and YSO proponents said YSOs provide investigative and safety capabilities—threat assessment, criminal-incident response, Title IX and child-abuse investigations, welfare checks—that are part of the district’s broader safety and behavioral-health plan. Proponents also said officers assigned to schools have lower caseloads and specialized training.

Board discussion noted gaps identified in a district-conducted gap analysis and recommended continued implementation with oversight. Several board members asked for clearer, regular reporting on arrests, referrals and demographic patterns tied to officer involvement.

The motion passed 4–3. The board directed staff to continue implementing program improvements recommended in the gap analysis and to strengthen data collection and transparency about incidents that lead to law-enforcement involvement.

What’s next: staff said they will continue working with law-enforcement partners on training and transparency, implement recommended changes, and provide the board with improved reporting on arrests and referrals tied to school incidents.