Parents criticize Goshen Schools for inadequate bullying response and mental health impact

The Goshen Local School District Board of Education meeting held on May 6, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding bullying policies and their implementation within the district. The meeting featured testimonies from parents highlighting ongoing issues with bullying and the perceived inadequacies of the school's response.

One parent expressed frustration over the school's handling of bullying complaints, noting that only one case had been reported in the past year and a half despite numerous social media posts from other parents seeking advice on how to manage their children's bullying experiences. This parent criticized the school's bullying assessment process, claiming it undermines state policies by allowing principals and superintendents to interpret what constitutes bullying, leading to a dismissal of serious incidents.

Another parent, speaking on behalf of a friend, shared a letter detailing her son's struggles with bullying, which had severely impacted his mental health. The letter described how the child developed anxiety and stuttering due to ongoing harassment from a classmate. Despite attempts to address the issue through school channels, including submitting a safety concern form and requesting a schedule change, the parent reported a lack of meaningful response from school officials, exacerbating the child's anxiety.

The testimonies underscored a broader concern among parents regarding the effectiveness of the district's zero-tolerance policy on bullying. Many parents called for immediate revisions to the bullying assessment protocols to ensure they align with state requirements and to hold school staff accountable for properly identifying and addressing bullying incidents.

The meeting concluded with a clear call to action from parents for the school board to prioritize the mental health and safety of students by enforcing stricter bullying policies and ensuring that all complaints are taken seriously. The board is expected to review these concerns and consider necessary changes to improve the school environment for all students.