Board reviews revisions to Policy 45.10 (anti‑bullying); members ask for clarity on documentation and recording concerns

District staff presented a second read of Policy 45.10 (anti‑bullying), emphasizing three goals: update definitions (including technology and social media contexts), reorganize sections to clarify investigative processes and role delineation, and add an appeals process that mirrors the behavior education plan’s appeal provisions.

Staff also described complementary preventive work, such as the Welcoming Schools partnership (a bias‑based bullying prevention professional development program), and emphasized clearer documentation and family communication: the policy now specifies that families of a targeted student have the right to receive the initial bullying report and certain documentation at the conclusion of an investigation.

During board discussion, members praised the proactive sections but raised practical questions. Board member VanderMeilen proposed adding policy language to exempt students who record bullying on a phone for evidence or self‑protection from being disciplined for the recording itself; staff and other board members responded that the point raises legal and operational issues (bathrooms/locker rooms, current state law, and forthcoming cell‑phone policy work) and noted investigations must consider intent, context, and power dynamics. Staff suggested the question may fit better under a forthcoming cell‑phone policy or as a practice note and recommended careful drafting to avoid unintended effects.

No formal changes were passed at this meeting; staff said they would bring the policy to the full board at the month‑end meeting for final vote after incorporating prior feedback and clarifications on documentation rights. Board members asked staff to continue coordination with the cell‑phone policy work and to make the family documentation and appeal language explicit in the clean policy text.