Board flags staff social-media policy changes after employee and trustee concerns

The Beaverton School District board reviewed three proposed policy updates recommended by the Oregon School Boards Association, but debate centered on one: a revision to the staff personal communication devices and social media policy (GCAB). The proposed language would permit disciplinary action including dismissal for off-duty social-media posts or other online activity that ‘‘have a nexus to their role as a district employee and disrupt the school environment or operations.’’

Several board members and public commenters — including union leaders and staff — voiced concern that the language is vague and risks chilling employees’ free expression. Kirsty Sackman, OSEA chapter leader, described staff anxiety over a new social-media vector training and asked who would determine what is ‘‘controversial,’’ calling the guidance ‘‘vague and at best leaves a lot of questions to be answered and at worst could lead to members of marginalized groups being targeted.’’

Board members requested follow-up information before taking action. Director Kossen and others described the standard ‘‘nexus’’ language as too broad and asked for clear guardrails: who defines nexus, what process governs discipline, and how the proposed policy aligns with the district’s recently negotiated BEA contract provisions that already address outside-of-work conduct. Doctor Carpenter urged the district to provide concrete examples of the types of conduct that would and would not be covered.

District counsel and staff said they would research where policy language is required by state law, explain overlaps with TSPC guidance and the BEA contract, and return with options for revisions. The board chair and governance staff confirmed the board can review and revise OSBA language and take additional readings before approval; several trustees asked staff to bring specifics back before a vote.

The meeting also included presentation of two other policy updates for future consideration: an instructional materials policy revised to reflect a 2025 state law limiting removal of materials on the basis of protected-class criteria, and a JHCA update about immunizations and brain-injury policy. Those items were informational at this meeting and slated for action later after staff review.

The board took no vote on the GCAB social-media language and directed staff to return with legal analysis and suggested wording that aligns with contract and state requirements.