If you ask parents, bullying is a growing problem in Nashua schools that continues to be swept under the rug by the School Board. There will be no discussion of bullying at the upcoming Policy Committee meeting, despite promises to address it at that meeting.
Back in September of 2019, a student was savagely assaulted on Fairgrounds Middle School. When the administration failed to help the student, the parent posted a graphic video of the bullying to raise awareness. The video went viral.
The Nashua Board refused to act or even discuss the situation. Board President Heather Raymond blocked every attempt to discuss this situation, claiming that the administration would handle it.
Superintendent Jahmal Mosley immediately criticized anyone who dared to videotape or post acts of bullying. When the administration failed to protect the student and resolve the situation, the father was forced to seek court intervention via restraining orders.
As a result of public concern, a bill was introduced in Concord to address “gross misconduct or willful negligence” regarding student safety by the school administration.
Meanwhile, the Nashua Board delayed any discussion, promising to consider a policy change until the January 2020 Policy Committee meeting. However, the discussion on bullying was swept under the rug on the Policy Committee agenda.
The proposed change to be considered at this meeting would have amended Board policy, JIC Student Behavior Standards, as follows:
“Indisputable physical violence or assault by a student directed against another student, or staff member, with corroborating evidence, such as but not limited to video recordings” Class IA Class IA Class IA
“Class 1A Offenses
“Violence by a student directed against another student, or staff member, is an extremely serious offense. All students engaging in a Class IA Offenses, other than the victim of the violence, shall be immediately removed from school until the situation is resolved.
“The Discipline Response shall be the same as a Class I Offense, except for the mandatory suspension until the situation is resolved .”
The court had to intervene and resolve the Fairgrounds situation, issuing restraining orders, and reviewing the educational programs of students who were required to change schools. The administration and the school did nothing.
This is “gross misconduct or willful negligence” by the school district. Collectively they …
“See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.”
