Candidates call for clearer bullying reporting, stronger school councils and expanded translation services

At the Lowell candidate forum, several panelists addressed bullying prevention and response, the role of school councils in family engagement, and the need to expand translation and interpretation services across schools and activities.

Candidates said bullying reports can be hard for families to navigate and urged clearer, well-publicized procedures and better tracking of reported incidents versus those confirmed. Speakers noted confidentiality limits can frustrate parents seeking outcomes, and proposed a more transparent reporting system that records reported incidents, investigations and outcomes while respecting privacy laws.

Panelists praised restorative-justice programs in some secondary schools and suggested expanding trained student mediators and other conflict-resolution resources. Candidates also recommended stronger, active school councils that include parents, staff, administrators and community members and that have real budgetary or advisory responsibilities to help local schools set priorities.

On language access, candidates backed expanding translation and interpretation for district events, classroom activities and extracurriculars so multilingual families can fully participate. They proposed regular outreach to families in their preferred languages and more in-person translation at school events.

No formal actions were taken at the forum. Candidates said they would prioritize clearer reporting, family engagement through active school councils and improved language access if elected to the committee.