Parents urge Jennings County schools to act on bullying, mental-health supports and child-abuse training

Parents and local advocates pressed the Jennings County School Corporation board during the public-comment portion of its meeting, saying they are afraid for students after a recent incident on a school bus and asking the district to bolster bullying response, mental-health supports and child-abuse awareness training.

Speakers said the matter goes beyond a single case and reflects gaps in communication and services. "I'm an advocate against domestic and ****** violence," said Nikki Rossbottom, founder of the Tabitha Brock Foundation, and asked: "So the question that I have, is what policies and trainings has the Jennings County School implemented since 02/2018 on a yearly basis that is compliant with the law to teach children about ****** abuse?" Rossbottom referred to a law she called "Aaron's Law." The board did not provide a substantive in-meeting compliance report but offered to follow up with her after the…