Brookings-Harbor School District is aware of concerns raised regarding a personal statement made by a District employee’s family member. These individual views do not represent the District, its values, or its operations. The District is also very limited in the actions it can take regarding individuals who are not employed by the District.
On Monday, September 15, the School Board 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. This action was taken in response to both the disturbing commentary circulating in the community and some messages directed toward the District and school leadership that included threatening language. The District has been, and will continue to be, in communication with law enforcement regarding these matters.
My foremost responsibility remains supporting our students and families. Today, I also want to share with our Bruin community that I have received the resignation of the Brookings-Harbor High School Principal Tristin Harkins.
I also want to apologize that we cannot respond to every email, phone call, or social media message individually or on the day it is received. The volume of messages has been extremely high, and some inquiries involve information we cannot disclose due to confidentiality and privacy laws. Please know that all messages are being read, documented, and catalogued, and that the District will respond to what it can, when it is able.
We ask our entire school community to continue to work together to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment and to handle concerns outside of our school buildings in a civil and constructive manner. I want to commend our teachers and staff for their diligence in teaching, learning, and school activities, which have gone on uninterrupted.
Tonight, Wednesday, September 17, the School Board will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Kalmiopsis Elementary School, 650 Easy Street, in Room 51. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. to allow visitors time to walk to the board room in the 5th grade hall. Overflow rooms with a livestream will be available in the same building, if the board room reaches capacity. The Brookings Police Department will also be present to help maintain order and safety.
As part of the agenda, the Board will hold its public comment period. Comments will follow established rules and will be limited in time by the Board Chair depending on the number of comment cards received at the start of the meeting. All community members are welcome, and we remind you that you do not need to attend in person to follow the proceedings. All BHSD School Board Meetings are livestreamed and archived for encore viewing on the BHSD YouTube page. The full agenda and public comment rules are posted on our School Board Information page.
Thank you for your support as we continue focusing on providing our students with the safest, most supportive, and positive start to the school year possible.
Helena Chirinian
Superintendent
September 17, 2025