[Lauren Coupland]

Ms. Guy and Members of the School Board

I am concerned by the below highlighted section of the district's proposed Employee Speech policy.  What constitutes a disruption or interference?  I am concerned that any public or private comment of dissent, disagreement will be subject to disciplinary action, even if these comments are made as a parent discussing a situation with their own child.  I have heard from multiple administrators and staff that comments or posts on private social media pages or in private groups have had a screenshot taken and sent to district level staff, who have then reprimanded the staff member.  Would this apply to public comments made at school board meetings?  I have really appreciated hearing from the teacher perspective this past year.  As a community, district, and school board, we would be poorer for not having teacher voices in School Board discussion.  This section is also vague enough, that any facebook argument, dispute over a sale on the yardsale site, etc could fall under this policy if a parent states that the conflict interferes with their interactions in school.  While the current administration and school board may have the best of intentions, and the common sense needed to interpret this policy reasonably and fairly, policy should be written to stand the test of time.  I am concerned that as written, this policy does not.  

Thank you, 

Lauren Coupland

District employees are encouraged to exercise their free speech rights as private citizens, in the
community, and to engage in public discourse involving matters of public concern. However, if an
employee’s public speech or use of electronic media, violates state or federal law or District policy,
disrupts or interferes with district operations, adversely impedes the employee’s ability to
effectively perform his or her job duties, or may be reasonably attributed to the District, the
employee may be subject to disciplinary action following progressive discipline in accordance
with any applicable collective bargaining agreement.