SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATE PLAN
The Board is committed to creating and maintaining a physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe
educational environment free from bullying, teen dating violence, harassment and discrimination. In
order to foster an atmosphere conducive to learning, the Board has developed the following Safe School
Climate Plan, consistent with state law and Board Policy. This Plan represents a comprehensive approach
to addressing bullying, cyberbullying and teen dating violence and sets forth the Board’s expectations for
creating a positive school climate and thus preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents of
bullying and teen dating violence.
Bullying behavior and teen dating violence are strictly prohibited, and students who are determined to
have engaged in such behavior are subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension or
expulsion from school. The district’s commitment to addressing bullying behavior and teen dating
violence, however, involves a multi-faceted approach, which includes education and the promotion of a
positive school climate in which bullying will not be tolerated by students or school staff.
I. Prohibition Against Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Retaliation
A. The Board expressly prohibits any form of bullying behavior and teen dating violence on
school grounds; at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program
whether on or off school grounds; at a school bus stop; on a school bus or other vehicle
owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education; or through the use of an
electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by Board of
Education.
B. The Board also prohibits any form of bullying behavior outside of the school setting if
such bullying (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom
such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such
bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the
orderly operation of a school;
C. The Board further prohibits any form of teen dating violence outside of the school setting
if such violence substantially disrupts the educational process;
D. In addition to prohibiting student acts that constitute bullying, the Board also prohibits
discrimination and/or retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the
investigation of an act of bullying.
E. Students who engage in bullying behavior or teen dating violence in violation of Board
Policy and the Safe School Climate Plan shall be subject to school discipline, up to and
including expulsion, in accordance with the Board's policies on student discipline,
suspension and expulsion, and consistent with state and federal law.
II.
Definition of Bullying
A. “Bullying” means the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral, or
electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or referring to another
student attending school in the same district, or a physical act or gesture by one or more
students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school
district, that:
43