Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Safety And Reporting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents tell Goose Creek CISD trustees students need clearer reporting and better handling of harassment claims
Summary
Three speakers described concerns about counselors and the district's handling of harassment and bullying: a mother alleged a counselor was dismissive about her daughter's grades, a former student urged better reporting and support after a sexual-exposure incident, and another parent praised a counselor who helped her child while urging continued protections.
Three members of the public used the board's citizens-participation period on June 1 to press Goose Creek CISD trustees on student safety, counseling practices and how reports of harassment and assault are handled.
Tamaya Lewis, a parent of a Lee High School ninth grader, said her daughter missed school while caring for a hospitalized sibling and that when the daughter asked a counselor about whether she would need credit recovery the counselor responded, "you're smart enough to know if you're passing or not," a statement Lewis said was inappropriate and caused her concern. Lewis said she raised the matter with the school principal, who told her he would handle it, but she asked the board to ensure appropriate follow-up and accountability.
Adriana Lopez, a former Robert E. Lee High School student, described instances when harassment and sexual misconduct were handled in ways that left students fearful of reporting. She recounted an incident in middle school in which a student exposed himself on a bus after a UIL event and said a school officer questioned whether she wanted to pursue a court matter, implying that reporting could "ruin his life." Lopez urged the district to provide clear reporting options, properly trained staff, timely investigative responses and ongoing support for students who report harm.
Brenda Lopez thanked counselor Christy Smith and other staff members for their assistance after her daughter experienced bullying and segregation by a band teacher; she praised the counselor's intervention and asked the board to continue prioritizing children's safety and oversight.
District response and process: Board staff reminded speakers that state law and board policy limit action on items that are not posted on the meeting agenda and explained the district's grievance process is available to pursue complaints; staff and administrators were identified as points of contact for anyone wanting to use formal grievance procedures.
Why it matters: The public speakers raised procedural and cultural concerns about how the district supports students who report harassment and assault and asked trustees to consider improvements to reporting clarity, staff training and follow-up. Trustees acknowledged the comments and the need for appropriate administrative follow-up rather than immediate board action at the meeting.
Next steps: The district pointed speakers to administrators and the grievance process; trustees suggested staff follow up and, where appropriate, place substantive requests for policy changes or agenda items before the board in future meetings.
