After community backlash regarding remarks made on social media by the wife of Brookings-Harbor High School Principle Tristan Harkins, the Brookings-Harbor School Board issued a statement on Monday, September 15th, stating “We recognize this message has created enormous disruption and anxiety within our schools and neighborhoods.”
In Monday’s statement, the Brookings-Harbor School Board alsoclarified the limits of the School Board’s authority, stating “we may only take action in matters involving district operations, employees, and students. The Board and district do not have authority to sanction or discipline individuals who are not employed by the district, even when their actions create concern in the wider community.”
By Wednesday, September 17th, public reaction prompted Brookings-Harbor School District Superintendent Helena Chirinian to issue another message to the community, reaffirming that “These individual views do not represent the District, its values, or its operations.”
After both disturbing commentary circulating in the community and some messages directed toward the District and school leadership that included threatening language, the Brookings-Harbor School District had held an emergency meeting and entered executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(o) to consider urgent matters related to the safety of the governing body, staff, and volunteers, as well as the security of public facilities.” on Monday, September 15th.
On Wednesday, September 17th, Brookings-Harbor School District Superintendent Helena Chirinian also notified the Bruin community that she had received the resignation of Brookings-Harbor High School Principal, Tristin Harkins.
