Parents and residents press board for transparency on personnel, medical exams and a DASA case; board tables personnel item

Several residents and parents used public comment to press the board for greater transparency and to raise personnel concerns, and the board later voted to table a personnel item.

Jacqueline Samson, a Newberg resident, questioned the district’s reliance on independent medical examinations for employees and urged the board to explain safeguards so such measures are not used as tools of intimidation or retaliation. Samson also objected to agenda items seeking approval of leadership positions where the candidate was listed as "TBD," saying approving roles before the public or board know the candidate undermines confidence in the process.

Samson additionally described a DASA‑related matter involving her daughter. She said she received a letter clearing her daughter of wrongdoing but that witness statements obtained later supported her daughter’s claim that she was not the aggressor. Samson said she was not notified for approximately 21 days about key aspects of the matter and criticized the record release process; she asked the district to produce requested records dating back to April.

Other commenters expressed concern about the district losing a well‑regarded employee. Shade Burks urged the board not to lose Dennis Class, calling him a "father figure" to many in the community. Karen McCartney, a retired district music teacher, said cutting or changing arts leadership harms students and noted the district is losing an arts leader who helped secure instrument donations.

At the consent‑agenda votes later in the meeting, the board moved to table item 8.23 (the agenda referenced a resignation letter and related personnel action). The motion to table passed on a roll call vote.