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Taunton student services director details bullying investigations and prevention plans; committee places update on file
Summary
Taunton Public Schools reported 62 bullying investigations this year with 32 substantiated (about 50%), affecting less than 1% of the district’s 8,562 students; the School Committee received and placed the district’s DESE‑approved Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan on file after questions about programs, anonymous reporting and high‑school supports.
Mrs. Stephanie Hoye, Taunton Public Schools’ director of student services, presented the district’s DESE‑approved Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan to the School Committee of the Whole on May 14, 2025, reporting 62 investigations this school year and 32 substantiated cases — a 50% confirmation rate that Hoye said represents fewer than 1% of the district’s 8,562 students.
Hoye said the plan, last updated in January 2024, requires prompt investigations, use of a checklist and redacted incident reports shared with both parties. She described K–7 implementation of the MindUP program as a strength and said the high school lacks a similarly structured program. The district has partnered with the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) for train‑the‑trainer sessions and plans cyberbullying professional development for middle school students with the Child Advocacy Care Center.
Committee members asked detailed questions about the data, reporting and follow‑up. Mr. Enos asked whether a 50% confirmation rate was high; Hoye replied no and noted the proportion of affected students is small. On anonymous reports, Hoye said they are investigated but that discipline requires an identified aggressor. When asked what a rebuttal is, Hoye said, “A rebuttal is a parent's written disagreement with findings. It doesn't change the decision but is filed in the record.”
The committee discussed whether the year’s numbers were typical; Hoye said there were about 10 more substantiated cases than the prior year, possibly due to improved identification and staff training. She confirmed that supports listed in the plan are available districtwide, with peer mediation used mainly at the high school, and said no additional budget is required for the improvements discussed.
Ms. Santos moved to receive and place on file the Bullying Prevention Plan update; Mr. Loura seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
