Principal reports HIB and discipline data: 16 HIB reports, 7 confirmed; weapons incidents found during searches increased

Principal Ed Brandt reported the district’s Student Safety Data System (SSDS) and harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) data for the first half of the school year, describing the types of incidents, investigation process and prevention efforts.

Brandt said 16 HIB reports were filed during the reporting period; principals’ preliminary determinations were used three times when an incident did not meet the statutory HIB definition. Thirteen incidents were investigated and seven were confirmed as HIB. He explained that some confirmed incidents list multiple distinguishing characteristics or multiple targets, so the count of distinguishing characteristics can exceed the total number of confirmed events.

On other discipline data, Brandt said there were four instances of suspension for fighting (noted as a decrease from the prior year) and five weapon-related incidents; he said all five weapons were discovered through searches rather than publicly brandished. Brandt noted 12 instances of suspensions tied to cell-phone violations, typically for repeated refusal to comply or for sharing illicit images that perpetuated incidents on social media.

Brandt described in‑school suspension (ISS), introduced districtwide two years ago, as a tool to reduce out-of‑school suspensions while continuing academic instruction; teachers provide work to students assigned to ISS and staff coordinate with classroom teachers. He also described the climate and safety team (anti-bullying coordinator, specialists, teacher, parent and counselor) that reviews investigation procedures, identifies patterns and scores internal indicators; Brandt said the team’s self-assessment reached full points on all indicators after adding a nonstaff parent member.

Brandt identified prevention and supports including the tenth-grade health curriculum, teen mental health units taught by Student Assistance Counselors (SACs), athletics and clubs that promote belonging, and a district safety team recommending measures such as a security coordinator role. He said the administration will continue targeted prevention, training and communication efforts.

Board members asked how they could support prevention programs and noted that guidance for parental and community support of clubs and counseling resources would be helpful.