Parent urges action on bullying; board reiterates focus on student safety and referendum for funding

At a Susquehanna Township School District board work session, a parent described repeated bullying of her second‑grade daughter and urged the board to take action to keep students safe.

"I wanted to bring the concern of bullying, to the meeting tonight," Ashley Murphy said. She told the board children at her daughter’s school face taunts about weight, skin color and facial features and said her child has returned home "full blown tears, hyperventilating." Murphy said she feared the emotional consequences of long‑term bullying and asked the district to create a plan to prevent it.

Board members and district staff responded that student safety is a priority and that many of the actions Murphy requested are part of ongoing work. A board member told Murphy, "This board hears your concerns," and the board described existing anti‑bullying education and programs in buildings across the district.

Superintendent Doctor Willis and other board speakers emphasized that some supports require funding. The board discussed an upcoming referendum repeatedly during the meeting as a vehicle to increase local funding for staff and programs that district leaders say are necessary to improve safety and student supports. In explaining the referendum’s purpose, a board member said the measure is intended "to more equitably fund and support the types of programs" that sustain student safety and wellbeing.

District officials also described existing methods for documenting and reporting incidents. The administration reminded residents the district distinguishes between state reportable categories: the state defines bullying as behavior that is repeated and creates an imbalance of power, while harassment or other serious incidents may be reportable after a single event. Administrators urged families to report incidents to building administrators so the district can document and intervene.

The board encouraged parents to engage with building staff and district leaders if they believe incidents are not being addressed, and to attend meetings and ask questions about the referendum and school‑level supports.

Looking ahead, board members said anti‑bullying education and tiered student supports are continuing priorities and that the referendum would be used to expand staffing and program capacity if voters approve it.