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District reports 112 HIB investigations in Jan–Jun 2026; board accepts semiannual report
Summary
Dr. Jess Smedley told the board the district moved 112 formal HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) investigations forward in the Jan. 1–June 30, 2026 period, with 69 founded incidents; appearance and ancestry were the top distinguishing characteristics, and the board voted to accept the semiannual report as required by state law.
Dr. Jess Smedley, the district’s anti-bullying coordinator, presented the semiannual HIB report covering Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026, and explained how the district uses the data to drive interventions.
"My goal tonight is twofold, to provide full transparency regarding our district HIB data trends and patterns over the past six months, and also to share how our schools actively leverage this data to drive proactive districtwide interventions," Smedley said.
Smedley reported 112 formal investigations moved forward during the reporting period. Of those investigations the district recorded 69 founded incidents and 43 unfounded. By grade band the report showed: elementary — 38 investigations (22 founded); middle school — 45 investigations (28 founded); high school — 29 investigations (19 founded). Smedley said middle schools consistently show the highest number of investigations.
The report broke down alleged distinguishing characteristics: appearance accounted for 38.5% of reports, ancestry 13.5%, with race and ethnicity slightly over 9%, disability 1.9% and sexual orientation 3.8% (figures are from the district presentation). Locations with the highest referrals were classrooms, followed by unstructured settings (cafeteria, playgrounds, buses) and then digital or off‑grounds incidents such as social media or texting.
Smedley described the district’s response system: a preliminary determination by principals and anti-bullying specialists determines whether a full HIB investigation is required; confirmed HIB incidents are addressed through restorative dialogue, counseling and disciplinary processes in accordance with the district’s code of conduct and board policy. She highlighted the district’s May 27 Culture and Climate Summit and said schools produced school‑level action plans for tier‑1, universal supports, in addition to small‑group interventions and peer mediation training.
The presiding officer moved to accept the semiannual HIB report and noted the acceptance verified the district had reviewed and posted the report as required under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act; the motion proceeded to roll call and board members responded affirmatively.
