Superintendent praises students’ peaceful protest, flags impact of immigration enforcement and reports bargaining progress
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Summary
Superintendent said student‑led walkouts at Tigard and Tualatin high schools were exercises of protected civic expression and emphasized student safety after noting earlier incidents tied to immigration enforcement; she also reported progress in 11 months of bargaining with OSEA and expressed hope for a near‑term agreement.
Tigard‑Tualatin School District Superintendent Dr. Lisa McCall told the board the recent student‑led walkouts at Tigard and Tualatin high schools were protected civic expression and that the district’s priority is student safety.
"These events were not organized by TTSD, but they're protected under the district policy," Dr. McCall said, adding that building administrators and law enforcement partners "helped ensure that students maintain...we need to remain safe while exercising their right to protest peacefully." She also referenced earlier incidents this year connected to immigration enforcement that placed students "in unsafe and uncertain situations," saying those events affected "real children in our schools and their families."
Dr. McCall framed schools as stewards of democratic participation: when students exercise their rights, the district must balance safety and civic education. "We can protect safety while honoring student voice," she said.
On labor relations, Dr. McCall updated the board on bargaining with the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA), saying the district has been bargaining for about 11 months and describing a recent productive meeting that she characterized as a step toward resolving outstanding issues and achieving a ratified agreement "sometime in the near future."
Board members praised students for following handbook and district policies during demonstrations and asked for continued staff and family partnerships to support both safety and civic participation. Student representative (identified as 'Bridal') told the board roughly 600–800 students participated and reported the demonstration "went off really well."
The board did not take any formal action on these items during the meeting; comments were delivered as communications and updates.
Next steps: district staff will continue negotiations with OSEA and continue to support student civic participation with emphasis on safety and guidance.