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Pickens County board places bullying and public comment policy revisions out for 30-day public review
Summary
The board voted May 18 to place two policy revisions recommended by the Georgia School Boards Association — changes to the district bullying definition and to the public discussion/board meeting policy — on a 30-day public review, including language that would require staff to report suspected bullying.
The Pickens County School District board voted May 18 to place two policy revisions out for 30 days of public review: an updated bullying policy and a revised public discussion/board meeting policy recommended by the Georgia School Boards Association.
Superintendent Dr. Thomas introduced the proposed language change for the bullying policy, noting it broadens the definition beyond conduct that infringes on a student’s educational rights and replaces the word “encourages” with “requires” in the section directing school staff to report suspected bullying. “Some of the language has changed in the definition of bullying,” Dr. Thomas said, adding the change is intended to expand the types of conduct covered and strengthen staff reporting obligations.
The board moved and seconded a motion to place both policies on the 30-day public review and comment period; the motion carried. No substantive amendments were adopted at the meeting; the revisions will return to the board after the public comment period for further consideration.
The board recorded the vote to place the policies for review during the meeting; the district did not specify a later hearing date for formal adoption during the session. Members directed staff to make the proposed language available for public review per the board’s policy-change process.
