Watertown School Officials Proposes Anti-Bullying Initiatives

WATERTOWN, MA — Watertown Schools Superintendent Deanne Galdston proposed a number of new initiatives to curb bullying and promote equality. The proposal came after the district held a community forum on bullying and anti-racist and anti-bias activities.

Parents and community members raised concerns to school officials about the district's handling of recent "racially-motivated bullying" incidents. Reacting to the concerns last week, the district commissioned an outside, independent administrative review of the incidents as well as the district's bullying and disciplinary policies.

On Dec. 3, the district held a forum for the community to discuss concerns and frustrations with bullying and racist experiences at the Middle School and the school district’s response.

At the forum, Galdston expressed sympathy for those who were impacted by the incidents and explained some initiatives the district had planned for prevention. Among the initiatives was the creation of a Parent Advisory Council on issues of diversity and inclusion, adding three parents to the Equity Leaders team and proposing the creation of a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the district.

At Monday night's School Committee meeting, Chairman John Portz voiced support for Galdston's proposals and announced that the Policy subcommittee will meet on Dec. 15 and include in its discussion ways in which the School Committee can work with the community to address these important issue. Several members echoed support for the district and town to address issues of racism, equity and diversity.