Fannin schools line up with new state rules

By: Glenn Harbison / glenn@fanninbasincitizen.com

 The Fannin County School System now has more flexibility to deal with bullying after the board of education changed the system’s policy to comply with state law. 

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Lucas Roof said the policy change “definitely gives more flexibility to deal with certain issues associated with bullying.” 

Roof outlined three major changes in the policy. 

The phrase “or otherwise substantially infringing upon the rights of a student” has been added. This completes the policy statement that bullying “has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.” 

The phrase “including, but not limited to, extracurricular activities” has been added. Roof said, for instance, this would include a situation involving a work-based learning environment or anywhere the school system holds a responsibility for a student.

The entire section on cyberbullying has been deleted. However, this is still covered.

Roof explained that while the definition of cyberbullying has been removed, electronic bullying still counts. 

“Bullying is still bullying no matter where or how it occurs,” Roof said. Removing the definition of cyberbullying was done so as to not differentiate between one type of bullying and another.

Also within the policy, any teacher or school employee who believes a student has been the target of bullying is required to report it to the school principal. Previously, the policy said a report was “encouraged.”

The proposed changes were first presented at the July school board meeting to allow time for public comment, however none were received.