The Burlington Area School District presented its annual bullying report, with district officials saying recorded bullying incidents were concentrated in a small number of buildings and that the district is relying on PBIS and enhanced reporting to reduce incidents.

Director of pupil services (presenter identified in the transcript as Director Wines) reported that bullying occurrences were logged in two buildings during the reporting period and that Karcher Middle School accounted for higher numbers; Burlington High School had one recorded incident. "When I look at the total number of situations that we've deemed to be bullying within the district, this is lower than what it had been," the director said, noting prior years had mid‑20s totals.

Wines outlined the district's operational definition of bullying — an imbalance of power, intentional behavior, repeated over time — and contrasted that with conflicts or single incidents handled at classroom or building level. The district uses a common investigation form across buildings, and final determinations about whether an incident meets the bullying definition rest with building administrators; parents are contacted on the day of reports and at the conclusion of investigations.

District staff described preventive and response measures: continued implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), social-skills groups and counseling, restorative conversations, and targeted plans (for example temporarily adjusting student movement to avoid contact while matters cool). The presentation also cited two anonymous reporting avenues: Speak Up Speak Out Wisconsin and an anonymous ClassLink form accessible to students.

Action steps included increasing pro‑social behavior teaching, further embedding PBIS, and formalizing communications to families so they know reporting pathways and contacts. Board members asked for clarification about how conflicts are distinguished from bullying and whether harassment is treated differently when a protected class is involved; staff said responses depend on severity and the student code of conduct.

No formal board vote followed the report; staff said they will continue calibrations and midyear behavior reviews.