School Board Policy 249 Bullying/Cyberbullying
School Board Policy 249 Bullying/Cyberbullying
The Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning environment for students. The Board recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by and of district students.
Bullying/Cyberbullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:
- Substantial interference with the student's education
- Creation of a threatening environment
- Substantial disruption to the orderly operation of the school
Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying. The term bullying does not necessarily encompass the infrequent incidents of normal developmental conflict between peers.
School Setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any school activity supervised or sanctioned by the school.
The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by District students.
The Board requires students and/or parents or guardians who have been bullied to promptly report such incidences to the building principal or designee.
The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action including restorative practices, shall be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the District’s legal and investigative obligations. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free of bullying
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that this policy and administrative regulations are reviewed annually with students.
The Superintendent or designee, in cooperation with other appropriate administrators, shall review this policy every three (3) years and recommend necessary revisions to the Board.
District administration shall annually provide the following information with the Safe Schools Report:
- Board's bullying policy
- Report of bullying incidents
- Information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs.
- This policy is incorporated into the District’s Code of Student Conduct
This policy shall be articulated in student handbooks. The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within each school building and on the District website.
Education
The district may develop and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs. Such programs shall provide district staff and students with appropriate training for effectively responding to, intervening in and reporting incidents of bullying.
Consequences for Violations
A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct, which may include:
- Restorative Response strategies and other district programs
- Counseling with the student
- Loss of school privileges
- Disciplinary consequences consistent with the Code of Student Conduct
- Exclusion from school-sponsored activities
- Detention
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Referral to law enforcement officials
The PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC) promotes equal opportunity for all and enforces Pennsylvania's civil rights laws that protect people from unlawful discrimination. As Pennsylvania's civil rights leader, it is our vision that all people in Pennsylvania will live, work, and learn free from unlawful discrimination.