Thursday, December 19, 2019

EBISD Response to Bullying Article in Wharton County Journal Spectator Dec. 19, 2019


EBISD Response to Bullying Article in Wharton County Journal Spectator/EB Express, 12/19/19

East Bernard Junior High School was made aware of an isolated incident that took place off-campus at a private party not affiliated with EBISD. (Note: The picture in the 12/19 issue was a result of the off-campus incident and not under the jurisdiction of the District.) There was also an allegation of additional issues taking place after the party on the campus which could constitute bullying.  It should be noted there were no concerns brought to the administration prior to this incident.  Upon a thorough investigation of the in-school allegations, no evidence was found of any occurrence of bullying within EBJHS, prior and post-November 6, 2019.  Contact was made and the parent understood no issues of bullying had occurred on campus.

The District was surprised by the public comment at the board meeting held on December 9, 2019 as there had been no further contact or mention of dissatisfaction in the handling of the matter or any additional complaints of further bullying. 

After the open forum held at the EBISD Board Meeting on December 9, 2019, in which allegations resurfaced, a follow-up investigation ensued.  After the second investigation, once again, no evidence of bullying or any of the allegations were found to be true.  Parent contact was once again made by the district noting these allegations were the same, which had been investigated and resolved in the previous month.  

Proper procedures and protocols were followed and will continue to be followed in accordance with the Local, State and Federal policy.  EBISD holds bullying and the safety of its students at the highest level of our priorities.