Resident urges board to bar on-campus political activity after May Day picket

During public comment at the April 8 Astoria SD 1 board meeting, resident Carl Hbert urged the board to deny future requests for union demonstrations on school property after he observed teachers and union members picketing during a May Day drop-off.

Hbert said he saw people wearing red shirts and holding signs outside a school during student drop-off, that principals were caught unaware, and that some parents and children asked what was happening. "When you show up to school to work, you need to be working, not ... showing outside looking at the parents and these little kids holding basically a political rally," Hbert said. He said the supplies for the event were reportedly provided by the union, and he suggested participants should take leave and protest off campus if desired.

Hbert also criticized the optics for parents and argued the activity contributed to concern among some families. He asked the board, if a similar request is made in the future, to deny it or scrutinize requests closely. Board members acknowledged the public comment and thanked Hbert for raising concerns; the board did not take an immediate policy vote on the matter during the meeting.

The board's public-comment procedure reminder before the remarks noted that Oregon law prohibits discussion of specific employees or personnel matters during public comment. The transcript does not show a board response beyond acknowledging the concern and noting it for further consideration.