Ben Horsley, superintendent of Granite School District, said the district is committed to protecting students and asked families to report bullying and other inappropriate behavior to school staff and the district office.

Horsley noted the size and diversity of the district and linked recent incidents of derogatory comments to the “current political climate.” “We love each and every 1 of our students. They are our children, and we are so privileged to work hand in hand with each of our parents to support our families,” Horsley said in remarks recorded in the meeting transcript.

The superintendent said the district serves about 58,000 students in 87 schools and that “over a hundred different languages” are spoken in Granite classrooms, including recent refugee populations and students from both high and low socioeconomic backgrounds. He told families the district will investigate or support inquiries about bullying and other inappropriate behavior and encouraged parents first to contact their child’s school administrator or teacher. Horsley added that if families do not receive a response, they should contact the Granite School District Office for further support.

Horsley framed the message as an appeal for increased kindness and support in schools: “Again, we need, at this time and at this, place an increase of kindness and love and support,” he said, and asked families to reach out if the district can help make students “safe, happy, and healthy.”

The remarks, as captured in the transcript, were brief and focused on reassurance and channels for reporting concerns rather than on any specific policy change or new program. The transcript did not record any motion, vote, or formal board action tied to the comments.