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Parent objects to revised bullying regulation as board advances policy package
Summary
At its June 22 meeting, Dorchester District 2 trustees advanced revisions to the district’s harassment/intimidation/bullying rule and related policies; a parent urged the board to reconsider deletion of a supporting regulation and raised concerns the changes reduce anonymity and are harder to read.
The Dorchester District 2 Board of Trustees advanced a package of policy revisions June 22 that includes JICFAA (harassment, intimidation, or bullying) and related regulations and rules. The board voted to approve second-reading items presented out of the policy committee.
Policy committee representative Ms. Bates summarized several substantive elements of the revised regulation intended to clarify reporting and investigatory procedures: the regulation provides multiple reporting avenues (including anonymous reporting), requires supportive measures be discussed with the reporting party, sets a requirement that investigations be completed within a maximum of 10 school days, provides written notification of investigation findings to both complainant and respondent, clarifies documentation requirements, includes explicit anti-retaliation protections, and establishes a formal appeal process allowing families to request a district-level review of findings.
During the public-comment period, parent Jason Brackert said he has raised concerns about the bullying policies for years and urged the board to reconsider the changes. Brackert said the deletion of the JII-R rule creates a confusing policy structure and removes elements of anonymity. He told the board he prepared 21 pages of handwritten notes and asked them to reconsider before implementation.
The board approved the policy package by voice vote (motion carries six in favor, one absent). Ms. Bates noted that policy review is ongoing and recommended revisiting the regulation in the future for additional enhancements.
The board did not indicate any immediate changes in response to the public comment; members emphasized the packet items came out of committee and that the policy process will continue.
