Letter from Chico Robinson (OEA) re: Workplace Survey at BSD
Context: BSD Staff received a Google survey the week of November 10th from the Bandon School Board central email regarding workplace culture. The survey content, potential lack of anonymity, and lack of transparency about how the survey will be used raised multiple concerns. The BEA (the teachers union) has made multiple requests for dialogue and submitted a vote of no confidence in the Superintendent, all of which have gone unanswered by the board. OEA representative Chico Robinson issued this letter in response on 11/13/25 ahead of the November school board meeting.
November 13, 2025
Educators and Community Members of Bandon,
I want to share why this “workplace culture survey” has raised real concerns for me in my role as your union representative. Several of you have reached out, and in case this survey is presented in Monday’s board meeting, I want to explain why it needs to be approached with caution.
Even though this survey comes from the board email, there’s been no indication that it was discussed or approved in a public board meeting, and it’s unclear whether the full board will even see the raw results. This survey provided no outline of what would be done with the raw results or how individual staff identities would be protected to prevent potential retaliation. This is information that should be provided with any survey administered to employees. When something looks like board business but may not have gone through normal board processes, that raises concerns for me about transparency and how the data could be used.
I’m also concerned about the claim of anonymity. Google Forms are not truly anonymous, and when you combine role, years of experience, and written responses, it becomes very easy to identify someone, especially in a small district. Many of you have shared that you do not feel safe reporting sensitive issues directly to administration, let alone in a format that could be traced back to you. When people don’t feel safe being candid, the results of a survey like this can’t be relied on to reflect the true climate. The content of the survey also worries me. It asks staff to report experiences with harassment, retaliation, bullying, and other serious issues, but it does so through an informal Google Form rather than through proper, protected reporting processes. That is not the normal, appropriate, or safe way to gather information on issues that carry real risk for staff. When those questions come through a form administered by the same people employees may fear retaliation from, that puts staff in an impossible position.
As the union rep of the South Coast Educators, I pay very close attention when something might unintentionally or intentionally influence people to answer more cautiously than they would in a safe process. When a union has raised concerns or taken a vote of no confidence and asked for dialogue with the board and an informal survey appears without clear public board approval, without true anonymity, and with sensitive questions included, it creates a situation where the results could be used to paint an overly positive picture that doesn’t match lived experience.
So if, on Monday, someone tries to claim that “the survey shows no complaints,” I want our community to understand why that would be an unreliable conclusion. A lack of negative responses does not mean the issues aren’t real, it can simply mean the process didn’t make people feel safe being honest. You deserve real, transparent processes and not something that leaves you feeling exposed or misrepresented.
I’ll continue to support you and stand with you in solidarity,
Chico Robinson
Oregon Education Association
South Coast Representative
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Bandon School Board <schoolboard@bandon.k12.or.us>
Date: Mon, Nov 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Subject: Workplace Culture Survey
To: All_District_Staff <all_district_staff@bandon.k12.or.us>
Hello,
At Bandon School District, we’re committed to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. To help us understand how we’re doing and where we can improve, we’re inviting all district employees to take part in our Workplace Culture Survey.
Your feedback will help guide our efforts to strengthen communication, collaboration, and overall employee experience across our schools and departments. The survey should take a few minutes to complete, and your responses will remain confidential.
Please click the link below to share your thoughts:
The survey will remain open until November 14, at 3 p.m.
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and for all that you do to support our students, families, and one another.
Workplace Culture Survey
I feel proud to work at this school district:
I feel my work contributes to the success of the school district:
I feel physically safe at work:
I feel emotionally safe to express myself with out fear of retaliation or judgement in my building or department:
If you answered False, please provide more information.
I have NOT experienced bullying, harassment, or hostility staff-to-staff:
If you answered False, please provide more information.
I have NOT experienced bullying, harassment, or hostility admin-to-staff:
If you answered False above, please provide more information.
I have NOT witnessed bullying, harassment, or hostility staff-to-student.
If you answered False, please provide more information.
I have NOT witnessed bullying, harassment, or hostility staff-to-staff.
If you answered False, please provide information.
I have NOT witnessed bullying, harassment, or hostility admin-to-staff.
If you answered False please provide more information.
When workplace conflicts arise they are handled respectfully and fairly staff-to-student.
When workplace conflicts arise they are handled respectfully and fairly staff-to-staff.
When workplace conflicts arise they are handled respectfully and fairly admin-to-staff.
Communication between admin and staff is open and respectful.
Please provide more information to your answer in the previous question.
Are employees treated with respect and professionalism?
There is a culture of kindness and collaboration among staff.
Bullying, favoritism, or exclusion are not tolerated in this workplace.
I feel safe to share ideas or opinions without being dismissed or mocked by peers.
I feel safe to share ideas or opinions without being dismissed or mocked by admin.
I can report concerns or problems without fear or concern of retaliation from peers.
If you answered False above, please provide more information.
I can report concerns or problems without fear or concern of retaliation from administration.
If you answered False, please provide more information.
When staff raise concerns they are taken seriously and handled fairly.
I feel comfortable speaking up about unfair or disrespectful behavior.
I have NOT witnessed retaliation after someone has spoken up.
If you have witnessed retaliation referenced in the previous question, please provide an example.
School leadership promotes a culture of respect and professionalism.
Administrators and supervisors address inappropriate behavior when it occurs.
Leadership demonstrated consistency, transparency, and integrity.
What aspects of our workplace culture make it a positive and supportive environment?
What behaviors, attitudes or behaviors contribute to a toxic, fearful or retaliatory atmosphere? What changes would help improve this?
What is your role in the district? (teacher, support staff, administrator, other)
How long have you been employed by the district? (0-2, 3-5, 6-10, 10+)
Please leave any other comments or suggestions you would like to make about workplace culture here.