Community member urges independent audit of district policy compliance; board refers request to staff

Community member Anthony Pereira urged the North Wasco County School District 21 board to commission an independent, third‑party audit of district compliance with anti‑harassment, nondiscrimination and inclusion policies.

"I respectfully ask the board to have a disinterested third party hired to conduct an audit of compliance with the board policies since their last revision," Pereira said during the public comment period, citing policies JFCF (harassment/intimidation/bullying/cyberbullying), ACD (all students belong) and AC (nondiscrimination). He described an incident on Sept. 25 that prompted his concerns and requested that the district create preventative programs, publish an annual compliance report and ensure transparent reporting of investigations.

Board members asked clarifying questions about next steps and whether the request should proceed through executive session or staff review. Legal counsel and the board chair advised that the immediate next step would be to refer the request to district staff to assess existing programs and determine a recommended approach, timeline and possible costs; they said any formal investigatory or personnel matters would be handled through established complaint processes. The board directed staff to return with options and possible timelines for response.

Anthony Pereira said he expected a response and welcomed follow‑up at the appropriate level. No vote was taken to commission an audit at the meeting; the board referred the item to staff for review and possible action.