The personal safety and welfare of each child is of paramount concern to the Board of Trustees, employees, and patrons of the District. It is of particular importance that employees within the District become knowledgeable and thoroughly educated as to their legal and ethical responsibilities regarding intervention and reporting of student harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
Intervention
District employees are authorized and expected to intervene or facilitate intervention on behalf of students facing harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
Intervention shall be designed to:
- Correct the problem behavior;
- Prevent another occurrence of the problem;
- Protect and provide support for the victim of the act; and
- Take corrective action for documented systemic problems related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Professional Development
The District shall provide ongoing professional development to assist school employees in preventing, identifying, intervening, and responding to harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
The content of ongoing professional development for District employees shall include, but is not limited to:
- School philosophy regarding school climate and student behavior expectations;
- Definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying with specific examples;
- School prevention strategies or programs including the identification of materials to be distributed annually to students and parents;
- Expectations and examples of staff intervention to harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and
- School process for responding to harassment, intimidation, and bullying including the reporting process for students and staff, investigation protocol, the involvement of law enforcement, related student support services, and parental involvement.
Student Discipline
When disciplinary action is necessary for students engaging in harassment, intimidation and bullying, employees shall follow relevant District policies.
Reporting
Any District employee who has witnessed, or has reliable information, that a student has been subject to harassment, intimidation or bullying, must report the incident to the administration.
Knowingly submitting a false report under this policy shall subject the employee to discipline up to and including termination.
The Superintendent, building principal, and/or their designee shall be responsible for receiving complaints alleging student harassment, intimidation, and bullying and will ensure that documented complaints will be maintained as a confidential file in the District office and reported as required by the State Department of Education.
Policy Distribution
The Superintendent or designee shall annually distribute and review with employees the requirements, policies, and procedures to be followed concerning the handling of student harassment, intimidation, and bullying and shall include this information in employee handbooks. All new employees will be given these policies and procedures as part of their orientation program.
Legal References:
I.C. § 18-917 Hazing
I.C. § 18-917A Student Harassment – Intimidation – Bullying
I.C. § 33-1630 Requirements for Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Information and Professional Development
I.D.A.P.A. 08.02.03.160 Safe Environment and Discipline
Policy History:
Adopted on: January 20, 2016