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Board reviews bullying policy changes after state statute narrows cyberbullying definition
Summary
Administration presented a draft revision to policy JCDAG (Bullying) to align with a state statute that limits school authority over cyberbullying to acts that originate on campus or via school equipment; board scheduled further work and public input.
Administration presented a draft revision to district policy JCDAG (Bullying) during prework after a change in state law narrowed the district’s authority to address cyberbullying.
Amanda Lynch, chief of staff, told trustees that the policy revision is necessary "because the statute now limits cyberbullying to acts that originated on campus or through school equipment." Lynch said the administration included language mirroring the statute and asked for board input so the revision could be finalized for the 2025‑26 school year and incorporated into the student code of conduct.
Board members asked how the statutory change would apply to school devices used off campus. Legal staff and administration clarified that if the conduct originates on school property or involves the use of school equipment (for example, a school‑issued Chromebook), it still falls within the district’s disciplinary authority even if the device is used off campus. Lynch said district legal counsel provided the statutory language included in the draft.
Why it matters: The statutory change narrows where and how the district can discipline cyberbullying; the revision is intended to align policy and to provide clarity for students, families and staff.
Action: The policy was presented for prework input; no final vote was taken. Administration said it will continue drafting and return with a recommended version for board consideration and public comment at a later meeting.
