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in 2014, tragic news of assaultive behavior by members of the 2011 Milton High
School Football team came to light.

As a community, we demanded answers to our questions: Where were the
coaches? Where was the supervision? Why wasn?t it reported?

In September 2014, the school board supported an independent investigation of
the incidents, and the result was a report of findings that were of great concern to
the district and the community; findings we made public for all to consider.

With advice of legal counsel, the school board hired an interim superintendent
charged in part with providing a neutral, unbiased and fair review of the report to
help ensure the board had as much information as possible, given the passage of
time since the events.

Unfortunately, because there is presently a pending civil suit against the District
involving allegations premised (at least in part) on events discussed in the report,
we are limited (on advice of counsel) in what we can say.

But as touched upon by the Superintendent, we do know and can state the
following as our District continues to move ahead:

0 The staff and students who were part of the culture at issue are no longer
part of the district.

0 All administrators, faculty, staff, coaches and students must be properly
trained to recognize and report hazing behavior immediately.

0 And district policies, alone, are not enough to grevent hazing, bullying or
harassment.

So what do we do with this information? How do we move forward toward
healing? How can we be assured this will never happen again?

Unfortunately there are no easy answers.

As a board member, would love to sit here and tell you that this will never
happen again, but as a parent with children in the school system, it is extremely
difficult for me to give you that reassurance.

 

My experience over the past 4 years is that it is simply not enough to have policies
and procedures you have to advocate for your kids.

For several weeks, have been thinking about what to say tonight and while
drafting my thoughts, was dealing with issues my own children were
experiencing on the bus.

My husband and have been actively working with administrators and staff to
resolve an on-going issue, and even though we?ve been emailing, meeting and
coming up with ?safety plans?, there are still issues.

it is not for a iack of trying or caring; it simply comes down to the fact that you
cannot control every situation and you have to stay involved in what is happening
with your kids.

If policies aren?t being followed, you have to hold people accountable; if
processes aren?t working, you have to inform the administration or the board so
together you can make positive changes.

I know we can make things better? as a parent, I know I won?t stop trying to
change the culture in our schools; as a board member, I know I won?t stop trying
to ensure our district has the needed resources to improve the educational
environment so every child has the chance to succeed.

As adults in this community, we must to model the behaviors we expect to see
from our children -?treating each other with kindness, speaking to one another
with respect and embracing a zero tolerance for bad behavior harassing,
bullying and most importantly hazing.

We must never forget the lesson that we have learned from the horrible events of
the past and continue together towards an ever improving district and
community. No child should ever be afraid to go to school or ride the bus or to
play on a team, and there is no such thing as ?too respectful? or ?too safe.?

Collectively, we have endured a very painful and emotional time. Children and
families in our community were hurt.

 

Our hearts have weighed heavy, but we have found strength in one another to

move forward. These events are not something we can simply put in the past, nor
will can ever forget. But as a board, a district and a community, we will learn and
grow and remain rooted in our conviction to improve the culture for our children.

On behalf of the Boa rd, thank you for all of your patience during this difficult
time, for speaking up and for continuing to fight for what is right for the children
and families in Milton.

Thank you.