Beaverton School Board finds no policy violations in two social‑media complaints, directs leadership to notify complainants

The Beaverton School Board on Aug. 11 accepted third‑party investigative reports and found that Director Tammy Carpenter and former Director Susan Greenberg did not violate Beaverton School District policies in relation to the social‑media complaints that prompted the reviews.

The board’s action came during a 6:32 p.m. special meeting called to consider the investigator’s reports. Board member Karen Perez, speaking during the discussion, said the board must base decisions on policy and facts and noted the constitutional protection for personal political expression: “the personal opinions, even on deeply political and emotional issues, are strongly protected under the First Amendment and do not, in this case, violate the district policy,” Perez said.

Board members moved and seconded separate motions to accept the investigator’s report and to make formal findings for each subject of the complaints. For the finding regarding Director Tammy Carpenter, the board recorded six votes in favor and one abstention; Carpenter herself abstained. The board identified the six members voting yes as Melissa; Dr. Truong; Karen Perez; Justice Raji; Director Kassem; and Sunita Gerg. The board then voted to accept the investigator’s report and make the same finding for former Director Susan Greenberg; the transcript records seven members voting to accept that report.

In a separate, subsequent motion the board directed board leadership to respond to the complainants. That motion was moved and seconded and recorded as approved; a precise roll‑call tally for that directive was not specified in the transcript.

Several board members spoke on the record in support of completing a structured process for complaints about members. One board member (identified in the transcript only as a board member) said on the record that the process had been difficult and expressed hope the district will handle similar matters in a way that balances due process with “kindness and humanity.” The board also acknowledged Susan Greenberg’s 12 years of service to the district and thanked both directors for their participation in the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

Votes at a glance: The board adopted the investigator’s findings for Tammy Carpenter (6 yes, 1 abstain — Carpenter abstained); adopted the investigator’s findings for Susan Greenberg (7 yes); and approved a motion directing board leadership to respond to the complainants (approved; tally not specified in transcript).