Jerome Joint School District No. 261

PERSONNEL 5265

Employee Responsibilities Regarding Student Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

The personal safety and welfare of each child is of paramount concern to the Board of Trustees, employees, and

patrons of the District. It is of particular importance that employees within the District become knowledgeable

and thoroughly educated as to their legal and ethical responsibilities regarding intervention and reporting of

student harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Intervention

District employees are authorized and expected to intervene or facilitate intervention on behalf of students facing

harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Intervention shall be designed to:

a. Correct the problem behavior;

b. Prevent another occurrence of the problem;

c. Protect and provide support for the victim of the act; and

d. Take corrective action for documented systemic problems related to harassment, intimidation, or

bullying.

Professional Development

The District shall provide ongoing professional development to assist school employees in preventing, identifying,

intervening, and responding to harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

The content of ongoing professional development for District employees shall include, but is not limited to:

a. School philosophy regarding school climate and student behavior expectations;

b. Definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying with specific examples;

c. School prevention strategies or programs including the identification of materials to be distributed

annually to students and parents;

d. Expectations and examples of staff intervention to harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and

e. School process for responding to harassment, intimidation, and bullying including the reporting process

for students and staff, investigation protocol, the involvement of law enforcement, related student

support services, and parental involvement.

Student Discipline

When disciplinary action is necessary for students engaging in harassment, intimidation and bullying, employees

shall follow relevant District policies [3330 and 3340].

Reporting

Any District employee who has witnessed, or has reliable information, that a student has been subject to

harassment, intimidation or bullying, must report the incident to the designated school official in accordance with

District policy and procedure [3295 and 3295P].

Knowingly submitting a false report under this policy shall subject the employee to discipline up to and including

termination.

The Superintendent, building principal, and/or their designee shall be responsible for receiving complaints alleging

student harassment, intimidation, and bullying and will ensure that documented complaints will be maintained as

a confidential file in the District office and reported as required by the State Department of Education.

Policy Distribution

The Superintendent or designee shall annually distribute and review with employees the requirements, policies,

and procedures to be followed concerning the handling of student harassment, intimidation, and bullying and shall

include this information in employee handbooks. All new employees will be given these policies and procedures as

part of their orientation program.

Cross Reference: 3295-3295P Hazing, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, Cyber

Bullying, Menacing

3330 Student Discipline

3340 Corrective Actions and Punishment

4175 Required Annual Notices

Legal References: I.C. § 18-917 Hazing

I.C. § 18-917A Student Harassment – Intimidation – Bullying

I.C. § 33-1630 Requirements for Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Information

and Professional Development

I.D.A.P.A. 08.02.03.160 Safe Environment and Discipline

Policy History:

Adopted on: 09/22/2015

Revised on: 01/26/2021

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