Committee holds review of bullying, cyberbullying policy for further research

The policy committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 2.49 on bullying and cyberbullying and agreed to hold the item for further research and discussion at a subsequent meeting.

Chair said the draft replaces "Title IX" wording with "discrimination and harassment" and updates definitions to mirror PSBA language. Committee members questioned several drafting points: one member recommended changing the definition phrase "intentionally electronic" to simply "intentional" and urged a clearer, separate definition for cyberbullying that lists specific channels (phone, email, text, chat rooms) so librarians and teachers have clear guidance.

A committee member asked why the draft focuses on students rather than the entire learning community, noting concerns about teacher-to-student or teacher-to-teacher bullying. Staff confirmed the draft sits in the "200" series for pupils and that an adult-focused policy may exist elsewhere.

Committee members requested further research and examples; the chair said administration will follow up and the committee will add the item to the December agenda for a more complete review.

Next steps: administrators will identify related policies that cover adult employees, provide example cyberbullying definitions from peer districts, and return with a revised draft for committee consideration.