DISTRICT SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATE PLAN
The Board is committed to creating and maintaining a physically, emotionally, and
intellectually safe educational environment free from bullying, 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 and
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 is 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 and teen dating violence behavior, 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 and teen dating
violence behavior 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 which 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.
II.
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.
Definition of Bullying
A.
“Bullying” means the repeated use by one or more students of a written,
verbal or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, or a physical
act or gesture directed at or referring to another student attending school
in the same district that:
28