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Board reaffirms weekly flag-salute policy after public comments urging daily practice
Summary
After several public commenters urged daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the Coos Bay SD 9 board debated changing policy to require a daily pledge but did not adopt that change. The board instead reaffirmed its existing policy that instructs schools to provide the opportunity to salute the flag at least once each week.
Coos Bay SD 9 — The school board moved to reaffirm its existing policy on flag displays and salutes after public commenters urged the district to make the Pledge of Allegiance a daily school practice.
Public input at the meeting included several speakers who asked the district to require daily pledges. Crystal Hopper Myers, who identified herself as representing local veterans’ and first-responder organizations, told the board she was "shocked" at reports suggesting the pledge might be removed or reduced and said she was “proud of this community” and asked the board to keep the pledge in daily school practice where possible.
Board discussion: Board members debated whether the policy’s language should be changed from the current “at least once each week” to a daily requirement. A motion to change the policy wording to require daily recitation failed for lack of a second. A separate motion to reaffirm the existing policy (and encourage schools to honor the spirit of the pledge) carried; the board adopted the reaffirmation.
What the policy says: The district policy requires that students “shall receive instruction in respect for the national flag… at least once each week during the school year by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.” The policy also preserves the legal requirement that participation is voluntary; teachers may not coerce students who opt out.
Why it matters: Several speakers told the board that daily practice matters to veterans and to community cohesion. Board members said they did not want misinformation circulating that the board planned to remove the pledge; they said many schools already include a daily salute. The board chair asked administrators to check school practice and communication so families have accurate information.
Next steps: No change to the written policy was adopted. Staff and board members said the administration will remind schools about the existing policy and the district will communicate with the public to clarify current practice.
