Legislative subcommitee tackles bullying

TerreG1002@aol.comIt's back to school on Monday. For some, it marks the end of a hot summer, and the welcoming of cool fall days. For others, it's the excitement of new learning experiences, new teachers, renewing friendships, meeting new friends, and sports — all of them. But for others, it is the apprehension and fear of being bullied by other students. Bullying affects a student's ability to learn; and it affects a school's ability to educate students in a safe environment.

During the legislative session, lawmakers attempted to address bullying through, what turned out to be a controversial piece of legislation, SB 198. The bill would have required school districts to adopt a policy that prohibits harassment, intimidation, or bullying on school property, at a school-sponsored function, or on a school bus. In adopting such a policy, the trustees would be required to consult with parents, school personnel, students and members of the community.

Because of the emotionally charged testimony, and legitimate concerns raised, a bipartisan subcommittee was formed to find common ground in order that Montana's public schools will be a model for other states in addressing harassment of children. I was fortunate to be one of the four legislators who served on that sub-committee to address concerns about the bill, and, if possible, to come up with a compromise bill. I thought that was accomplished.

Although SB198 ultimately failed on third reading on the House Floor, I was encouraged that the Board of Public Education was committed to investigate, address and resolve the expressed concerns of legislators, educators, school administrators, parents and the public at large.

And, as promised, the Board of Public Education conducted a statewide hearing on the issue of bullying and harassment. The hearing was well attended and included testimony from several legislators involved with the issue. The testimony resulted in the Board's decision to refer this issue to the Healthy Schools Network, which in turn made recommendations on bullying prevention to the Board at its July 14 meeting. The presentation included a brief report on national and state data on bullying and violence-related behaviors among youth, a definition of bullying, information on school climate, legal considerations regarding student on student bullying, a model policy, and suggested actual changes to Montana accreditation standards for the Board to consider.

Final action on this issue, which will include adoption of a model policy and the requirement of each School District to come up with a bullying policy, will be taken at the Board's Nov. 3-4 meeting. Although it won't be in time for the beginning of the school year, it is a step in the right direction in acknowledging the seriousness of harassment and intimidation and ensuring a safe environment that protects all students, regardless of their differences.

On another safety note, the Legislature amended current law on school bus safety. You must now stop your car approximately 15 feet before reaching a school bus when the visual flashing red signal is operating, the violation of which carries a fine up to $500. The new law also provides that any person who observes a violation of this new law may report the violation to law enforcement. Children of all sizes are crossing busy streets and roads to get on these school buses; and we need to remember that this law is about protecting lives.

As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, or just need assistance, please give me a call.

Representative Jeanne Windham

Home: (406) 887-2029

Cell: (406) 544-8086

Email: windham@centurytel.net