The Shrewsbury School Committee voted unanimously Jan. 8 to adopt an updated Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy (policy 712) and the district’s revised Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan.

Rachel Shreveport, a member of the policy subcommittee, said the drafts were posted publicly after a first reading Dec. 18 and that feedback from one family had been incorporated. She told the committee the district’s legal counsel reviewed the revisions and supported language that rejects harassment, intimidation or bullying while declining to adopt a separate "zero tolerance" label.

The subcommittee also discussed timelines for investigations. The plan states that investigations should be initiated "as soon as possible" and completed under normal circumstances within 14 school days; the policy notes extenuating circumstances may require additional time and that principals will communicate with involved families.

Committee members urged a practical improvement: an acknowledgement that a written report (for example, a Schoology form or an emailed report) was received. The subcommittee agreed to amend the plan to state that "when a report is made, the person making the report will receive confirmation that it has been received by the school." The committee voted to approve the policy and then the plan as amended; both votes carried unanimously.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Sawyer said the district will send communications to staff and families about the updated policy and plan and will include guidance on reporting; he said the district would also reference new concerns such as deepfakes and artificial-intelligence issues in outreach.