Creating a safe, secure environment for students and their families is paramount to our goals of providing an outstanding education where all of our students and staff are respected, valued and supported. We also know that when serious issues arise and shortcomings are evident, the measure of an organization is in how it responds – there must be accountability and a genuine commitment to do better and bring about growth. That is the standard we hold ourselves to.

Of utmost importance is where we go from here – this includes ongoing work around being more aware and accountable, continued emphasis on ensuring the system is more proactive and responsive, and sustained commitment to improvements around systems and structures that increase safety and enhance support.

Collectively, we are committed to building a stronger culture of accountability and respect. School cultures rooted in dignity and respect are what every student deserves. We must always make it unmistakably clear that we will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, hazing, or any behavior that harms the emotional or physical safety of students and creates a hostile environment. This expectation starts at the highest levels of the district and extends into every school, classroom, program, and activity. 

A culture of accountability and respect must be common in our schools and consistent across our district. As our students and families move from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school, we must ensure that the level of support and care we provide matches the exceptional educational experience they receive.

ACTIONS (Here are just a few examples of the work being done)

• Revised the district's Athletics & Activities Handbook include a comprehensive definition of hazing, more detailed reporting procedures, and increased clarity regarding consequences for violating citizenship expectations.
• Added training requirements for all athletics and activities programs regarding hazing (view training video). This resource addresses the issue of hazing in training slides intended to ensure students in our extracurricular programs develop an understanding that hazing can take many forms, it is not tolerated, and those who engage in these behaviors are subject to significant consequences.
• Developed a new Harassment & Discrimination Reporting page, which houses information and updated reporting tools associated with HIB, discrimination, and sexual harassment (Title IX)
• Added classroom presentations that address discriminatory harassment and HIB are among several important topics for students. In each of the past two years, high school principals go into each classroom in the first few weeks of school and present this information directly to students. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, similar presentations will be used with students in each of our three middle schools.
• ...See the Actions link above for a more expansive and growing list...

Student safety is, and will always remain, a school district’s most important commitment. Every decision we make must begin with the question of whether it helps create a school environment where students feel safe, respected, and able to focus on learning. 

Student safety is maximized in school environments where adults are proactive and responsive. This means that our schools respect and honor the role of parents in the lives of their children through strong partnerships and open communication with families. It also means establishing clarity about the behavior we expect and the things we will not tolerate.

ACTIONS (Here are just a few examples of the work being done)

• Revised and expanded existing trainings regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying to include additional emphasis on discrimination and sexual harassment.
• Centralized reporting requirements are in place to ensure no incident goes unattended.
• Implemented elements of the P.E.A.C.E Framework (Prevent and Prepare, Encourage Reporting, Act Quickly and Respond, Communicate, Educate) , including the Speak Up at School protocol, for use in training for staff throughout the district. These tools and resources offer practical information and strategies to prepare adults and students to speak up against prejudice, bias, and stereotypes at school.
• Keynote speaker Mike Morgan from Proactive Coaching to attend the annual fall coaches meeting with the mission to help coaches intentionally build cultures grounded in purpose, trust and positive leadership.
• Enhanced requirements for overnight travel have been implemented, ensuring that students engaged in extended travel as part of a district-sponsored activity (travel requiring shared/communal lodging) clearly understand and acknowledge behavioral expectations.
• ...See the Actions link above for a more expansive and growing list...

We are committed to changes that make a difference for the long-haul. We are not interested in quick fixes or one-time changes that will be forgotten as quickly as they were implemented. The changes being made are part of an ongoing, thoughtful, and deliberate effort to learn from where we fell short and to better protect and provide support for students.

ACTIONS (Here are just a few examples of the work being done)

• Revising and refining documents associated with student support and safety plans. These modifications provide for more consistency regarding building-level responses to incidents that require specific action plans to ensure student safety and well-being.
• Implemented enhanced training protocols for administrators (both district administrators and principals) regarding conducting investigations and drafting essential documentation.
• ...See the Actions link below for a more expansive and growing list...