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Bullying could be prohibited by new policyBy MaryHelen Swanson The tears of a child who has been bullied at school run freely, although many times behind closed doors, and often these young people are reluctant to tell a parent or adult why they cry. Being bullied is emotionally painful, and children who are consistently bullied have been known to have several recourses: remain silent and begin to fail in school or retaliate, oftentimes with very serious consequences. The Rush City School Board reviewed a new policy last week that would prohibit bullying in the schools. Currently, the district does not have an official policy on bullying, said Superintendent Tim Eklund. The policy draft comes from the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) and Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA). The intent of the policy would be to ensure a safe and civil environment so students can learn and teachers can teach. The bullying policy also is intended to promote a good relationship among students and staff. While the policy says the school cannot monitor the activities of students at all times, it would be the districtís intent to prevent bullying and to investigate, respond to, remediate and discipline acts of bullying. The five-page policystates that bullying, by common standards, will not be tolerated on school district property or at any school-related functions. Some of those places where bullying will not be tolerated are school buildings and grounds, school buses and bus stops, school vehicles, the area of entrance or departure from school grounds, or events, at all school-related functions and school-sponsored activities, events or trips. A childís walking route to school may also be included in places where bullying is prohibited through this policy. The policy outlines a reporting procedure, school district action, reprisal and makes note that training and education will be provided to school staff and students each year regarding the harmful effects of bullying. Consequences for students who bully may range from behavioral interventions to expulsion. Consequences for employees who permit, condone or tolerate bullying or engage in an act of reprisal or intentional false reporting of bullying may result in disciplinary action including termination. Consequences for others engaging in bullying may include exclusion from school district property and events and termination of services or contracts. The school board will take action on the policy at the beginning of the Feb. 26 meeting during policy review. In other business last week, the school board selected John Bosman as chairman. Scott Tryon is vice chairman, Mark Moulton is clerk and Paul Pasche is treasurer. Other directors include Gwen Goretsas and Pat Behrendt. The board members also were assigned to committees: SCRED board ñ Tryon, Goretsas (alt.); Community Ed Advisory ñ Pasche; Board Advisory Committee- Pasche; Continuing Ed Committee ñ Goretsas; East Central MN Educational Cable Co-op ñ Tryon, Maureen Guentzel (not on the board); East Central Regional Development Commission ñ Behrendt, Goretsas (alt); and MSBA Legislative liaison ñ Tryon. All board members serve on the negotiations committee. The board also: ï Learned that the district is receiving calls from people interested in the superintendentís position. Eklund is taking an extended leave of absence at the end of the school year leading up to retirement. The board has a brochure for candidates. A couple hundred invitations will be sent to anyone belonging to MASA. The school board will seek Eklund's replacement without using consultants. ï Learned that the round portion of the elementary school should be ready for occupancy in early February. Eklund also discussed a noise issue from ductwork and noted that there have been some questions about the level of noise from the new gymnasium. He said he expected the district will conduct a decible level test in the near future in the gym. ï Accepted the bid from North Central Coach and Equipment, of St. Cloud, for a new school bus for $56,344 which includes a $2,000 trade-in. ï Approved the five-year military leave of absence for social studies teacher and coach Kevin Jensen. Anna Larson was hired as long-term substitute for Jensenís position. Jensen has been with the district for 10 years. ï Hired Robert Neubauer for a nine-month custodial position, Keith Ramswick for a 12-month custodial position and Holly Larson as a paraprofessional at the Family Center. ©ECM Post Review |