Committee reviews revised anti-bullying policy with questions on anonymous reporting and consequences

The East Providence School Committee reviewed a revised, more detailed anti-bullying policy on first read, focusing on reporting methods, timelines and possible consequences.

Administrators described the updates as "comprehensive" and said they expand definitions of bullying to include digital harassment and impersonation. The draft adds anonymous reporting via online forms plus physical drop boxes at each school; principals will decide drop-box placement and assign staff to check them daily. The policy also updates reporting forms and presents an updated flowchart intended to make determinations about whether an incident qualifies as bullying easier to follow.

Committee members asked for clarification about the new anonymous drop boxes (who monitors them and where they will be located) and whether the policy should restore specific examples of consequences that had been in the previous version. One member requested explicit language reinstating parent/guardian notification, possible police contact and school-provided transportation as examples of remedial actions; another member argued that the phrase "including but not limited to" covers those outcomes but asked that the consequences be clear and visible to families.

Administrators said investigations are intended to be completed within five days and that they have updated forms and an improved flowchart to speed determinations. They confirmed a district tip line continues to accept anonymous online reports.

Some committee members also asked for a weekly summary report to be provided to the committee so members can monitor the number of bullying reports and assess whether prevention measures are working. The draft policy does not yet mandate weekly reporting, but administrators said they can provide regular updates if the committee requests them.

No vote was taken; the policy will return for further revision and a subsequent vote.