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Multiple parents tell Highline board their children endured repeated bullying and assault; call for stronger protections
Summary
Several parents and community members told the board of repeated physical assaults, chronic bullying and what they described as insufficient consequences; they urged the district to better protect students and support teachers.
Several parents and caregivers testified during public comment at the May 7 Highline School District board meeting, describing repeated physical assaults and chronic bullying at district schools and urging the board to take stronger action to protect students and staff.
"We have been pushed to our limits and now we demand to see more severe consequences for these students and their parents as well as more support for all of our teachers," Mindy Watt said, identifying herself as the parent of second-grade twins at Des Moines Elementary. Watt told the board she and other families have documented multiple incidents and said the district’s inclusion approach is failing.
Other parents described repeated assaults. "This is unacceptable," Mason Watt said, recounting that his daughter had returned home "with wounds that are bleeding from other kids in her classroom." Ally Hemmel Smith, whose family has multiple generations in Highline, warned that physical assaults are occurring as early as kindergarten and said victims are losing the ability to attend school safely.
Watt told the board she was aware of "over 7 documented incidences this year" and "at least 10 more from others." She cited district procedures and the board’s stated obligations, saying, "It is your legal and ethical responsibility to protect all kids."
Speakers asked for clearer consequences for students who assault others, more resources for principals and paraeducators, and better supports so teachers can keep classrooms safe and academically engaged. No board action was taken during public comment; the board’s rules displayed before testimony state members do not respond directly during the meeting.
Board members acknowledged the testimony during the public-comment period but did not announce immediate policy changes at the meeting. Superintendent Ivan Duran and cabinet members were present; Duran later gave a district update that included budget and operational items but did not announce disciplinary-policy changes during the meeting.
