School committee hears bullying update: few formal findings, safety plans and counseling emphasized

School principals updated the committee on discipline and bullying cases on Jan. 20, reporting a small number of formal investigations and outlining prevention and response measures.

NES Principal Kim Albertson said NES has had four investigations so far this year; two were determined to be developmental or friendship issues, one first-grade incident required intensive teaching and counseling, and a second-grade report tied to an after-school club remains under investigation. "We really work through how we can handle that, and it's ongoing," Albertson said.

Cyrus Pierce Middle School Principal Michael Horton reported three formal bullying investigations, all in grade 8: one resolved amicably with no finding; two were found to include repeated bullying and led to safety plans, six-week counselor check-ins and schedule separations. "We work with our guidance team to develop safety plans to make sure that the target feels comfortable from the aggressor," Horton said.

High School Principal Mandy Highland said two reported incidents investigated this year did not meet the district's threshold for bullying after review and did not require safety plans. She also said the schools have noticed a tentative decline in incidents involving phones and social media since implementing a student phone ban, and that more detailed data will be provided in an upcoming Yonder presentation.

Committee members asked how bullying is defined and how safety plans differ across levels; administrators described key factors (repetition, power imbalance, or a single egregious act) and said high school safety plans commonly focus on routing through the building, schedule adjustments, and teacher awareness so staff can monitor interactions and intervene promptly.

Principals and the superintendent emphasized the role of counselors in early identification and response and described multiple reporting channels (teachers, families, students) that feed into investigations and safety planning.