As a school system, we have policies and procedures in place that help guide and direct our conversation and work in these areas. I have shared them in this blog before. Still, I believe it is essential to point to them again as a reminder and clarification that harassment, bullying, and discriminatory acts are unacceptable in our school learning community. This does not mean that these types of actions have not occurred in our district. It means that we take measures to prevent and action to address situations when they do happens. Have we failed at times? I would be honest enough to say we likely have. I am regretful that it is true. I also am willing to commit to you that we are taking steps to improve as a system.
In recent weeks, I have had individual conversations with some staff and led discussions with our leadership team about affirming our commitment to anti-harassment, bullying, and discrimination policies. We have reflected and will continue to reflect and take action to improve our practice as we consider disciplinary practices, curriculum and instructional resources, and professional development for our staff. I have also connected with the Green Hills Areas Education Association about the need for more training and support for schools.
Related District policies and procedures can be found here. This is important work as it is the policy and procedures we follow when complaints are made. It is published on our website, handbooks, and has been provided in other formats. It has been and will continue to be clarified that this is an expectation of our work and learning environment that these policies are upheld.
Uncomfortable to discuss? Perhaps, but it is necessary and right to acknowledge, admit, and commit to doing better.
