Parents and commissioners tell Benton County board students pressured to take school meals; speakers raise bullying and misconduct concerns

Several parents, guardians and two county commissioners addressed the Benton County Board of Education during the public-comment period, saying students have been pressured in the cafeteria to take meals they do not want and that some children were threatened with disciplinary action for refusing food.

Jerry Price, who identified himself as a county commissioner and said he and his wife are legal guardians of a student, said his grandson was told by a teacher's aide that he "must go through the serving line, take food" and was told that if he did not comply he would be sent to the principal's office and would "not be able to attend the basketball game that night." Price asked the board to investigate and requested a response at the next meeting or the following month.

Barry Rice, a grandfather, said his granddaughter was told to discard a breakfast or lunch if she did not plan to eat it and that students were required to mark a sheet indicating meal choice; he said he was not informed of such a policy in the school handbook and objected to what he described as verbal intimidation from a staff member when his granddaughter declined food.

Debbie Bane, who identified herself as the second-district county commissioner, used her public-comment time to raise broader concerns she said she has received from parents, including reports of bullying, hazing and allegations of sexual misconduct involving staff and students. She said parents report incidents are being concealed and that those responsible should face prosecution; she urged the board and administrators to ensure student safety and to stop any coverups. "No child should ever fear going to school," Bane said.

Melanie Berry, a resident and community organizer, invited the board and community to the Big Sandy Parent Teacher Partnership Thanksgiving dinner Friday, Nov. 8, noting the event is $10 per plate for adults and $5 for students.

The board did not announce a formal response during the meeting. Jerry Price specifically requested an update by the next meeting; the meeting record includes the speakers' requests and allegations, but no formal motion or action on the cafeteria policy or the misconduct claims was taken at this session.

Why it matters: speakers framed the cafeteria issue as a disciplinary practice affecting students' dignity and parental rights. Allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct raised by commenters, if substantiated, would be matters for investigation and could involve law enforcement and child-protection authorities.

The board proceeded to other business after public comments and adjourned the meeting.