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Student representative urges stronger bullying response, better communication and new incentives
Summary
A student representative told the board that bullying, inconsistent communication about weather and lack of menstrual supplies are significant concerns for students; the student proposed email/Canvas alerts for cancellations, harsher bullying consequences, and an incentive program for event attendance and grades.
A student representative presented findings from a Google form completed by 32 respondents and raised several issues for the board’s attention.
Communication: The student said many students prefer calls or Canvas announcements in addition to Facebook posts and robo calls, noting that some families do not use Facebook or may not answer phones. The student proposed adding Canvas announcements or email for students so they can access event and cancellation information directly.
Bullying: The student read a multi-paragraph submission describing incidents of bullying and argued that punishments by principals sometimes feel too light. "We need harsher punishments to show that bullying is not acceptable and ensure every student feels safe and respected," the student representative said. Board members and staff described existing anonymous reporting methods and noted that policy definitions were adjusted earlier in the school year; staff also said several current prevention measures and progressive-discipline processes are in place.
Student supports and school culture: The representative asked for menstrual products to be stocked in dispensers and suggested urinal privacy improvements. The student proposed incentives such as a weekly free ticket to a sporting or fine-arts event for a student in good standing (passing at least 3 of 4 classes) to encourage attendance and behavior.
Board response and follow-up: Board members thanked the student for raising the concerns, noted recent policy updates, and offered to have staff and administrators follow up with student meetings and data review. A staff member said they would meet with the student and principals to explore solutions and review reporting and discipline data.
Ending: Staff committed to follow up with the student representative and to bring clarifications and any proposed changes to policy or practice back to the board in a future meeting.
