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Board dismisses probationary teacher after public pre-termination hearing
Summary
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board voted 4–1 on May 21 to adopt the superintendent's recommendation to dismiss probationary teacher Natasha Green, following presentations by district administrators and counsel that debated the sufficiency of investigative evidence and missing video footage.
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors voted on May 21 to adopt the superintendent's recommendation that probationary North Gresham Elementary teacher Natasha Green be dismissed effective the same day.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Angela Freeman presented the district's recommendation, saying investigators found multiple instances of physical contact with students and describing interviews and a video viewed by the teacher. Dr. Freeman told the board that the teacher's temporary, probationary status "has the highest level of flexibility in determining whether employment is terminated." The board approved the dismissal motion (Motion 97) with Mayra Gómez moving and Kris Howatt seconding; the vote was Aye — Shawn Farrens, Mayra Gómez, Kris Howatt, Holly Riegelmann; No — David Ligatich. Final tally: Aye 4, No 1, Absent 1.
Attorney Isabel Harris, who represented Ms. Green, argued the district's investigation was incomplete, pointed to missing or overwritten video footage and raised concerns about process and possible discrimination tied to a parent's remarks about the teacher's Christian faith. Harris said the district "is attempting to terminate in an unlawful process" and pressed the board to reinstate Ms. Green or remove the allegations from her personnel file. The district maintained it had investigation notes and union representatives available and said multiple staff and student statements supported its recommendation.
Board members pressed administrators about the grievance timeline, how video evidence is retained and whether the parent comment about religion was documented; administrators said the comment was new information to them and that video retention policies can result in recordings being overwritten. After the vote, administrators confirmed the termination is effective immediately, that a final paycheck will be issued, and that the board secretary will send a written determination. The hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m.
The board record notes settlement offers were discussed during the meeting; counsel for Ms. Green said offers on the table provided little benefit to the teacher and would have required waiving claims. The district said it had proposed neutral-reference terms in settlement attempts but did not reach agreement.
