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Grandmother tells board her granddaughter was bullied and threatened at Westport High; district to follow up
Summary
At the Marion County School Board meeting, Dora Hill read a statement from her granddaughter Casey, a Westport High student, describing repeated bullying, threats and doxxing; district staff offered to meet with the family and board members expressed concern. No formal board action was taken.
Dora Hill read a statement to the Marion County School Board on March 10, saying her granddaughter Casey, a student at Westport High School, has been bullied, fat‑shamed, physically threatened and repeatedly left fearing for her safety.
"I have been bullied and fat‑shamed, trapped, hit... I have been told the students would come to my home and kill me, my grandmother, my animals," Hill read, attributing the words to her 15‑year‑old granddaughter. Hill said she and the family had contacted school officers and the sheriff's department but had not received follow‑up and that she had recordings of phone calls documenting attempts to seek help.
Board chair Dr. Sarah James and Superintendent Dr. Brewer responded by directing the area's Westport High area superintendent, Mrs. Kiner, to speak with Hill and the family in the lobby immediately after her comments. Dr. Brewer told the board he wanted staff to address the family's concerns.
Board members later characterized the remarks as distressing and emphasized that students' safety and mental health are priorities. Multiple board members thanked the district staff present for being available to respond during the meeting.
No formal disciplinary action or vote was taken during the meeting on this matter; the board's publicly stated next step was a direct staff follow‑up with the family.
What was said about follow up
Dr. Brewer asked that area superintendent Mrs. Kiner meet with the family in the lobby to discuss the complaint and next steps. Several board members said they expected staff to take the family's concerns seriously and to follow standard procedures for investigation and student safety.
Source: public comment read by Dora Hill on behalf of her granddaughter Casey; superintendent and area superintendent remarks at the March 10 meeting.
