Parents and students press Pleasant Hill board over staff social‑media posts as employee remains on leave

Before the public forum, Chair (Speaker 1) told meeting attendees that an employee remains on administrative leave while the district follows Oregon law, district policy and the collective bargaining agreement during an investigation.

During the public-forum period, Dustin Helbing identified himself as a parent and read policy language from the staff handbook that makes social-media conduct subject to disciplinary action if it "disrupt[s] the school environment," including potential dismissal. "This issue is not an issue of forgiveness," Helbing said, urging the board to treat the matter as a policy and school-safety concern rather than a personal or political dispute.

A student introduced by the chair as "Max" (the record also refers to him as "Maddox" later) identified himself as a member of the school’s Turning Point USA chapter and told the board it was difficult for students to feel safe when staff "celebrate violence" on social media. "No one should celebrate political violence in our school or communities," he said, urging professionalism and accountability and saying students should not fear bias or mistreatment because of their beliefs.

The chair reminded the public that personnel matters generally may not be discussed during public comment and directed individuals with personnel concerns to submit complaints to the superintendent. The board did not discuss personnel specifics on the public record or announce any disciplinary outcomes during the meeting.

These comments took place in the context of recent public attention and prior meetings that, according to a speaker, included sheriff deputies; speakers said they will continue to attend future meetings and press the district for answers. The board acknowledged the comments and said it would take public feedback into account.