Bullying pushed to the spotlight
Bullying pushed to the spotlight
By STU MERRY
School officials at Garrison are in the process of developing a bullying policy.
But for one parent, having a policy in place couldn’t come soon enough. The matter moved front and center at Tuesday night’s board meeting.
Brent Schenfisch, parent of a junior high student, told board members and administration his child received a life-threatening text message. The message was received after school hours. Later, his child was allegedly attacked off school grounds, and the incident recorded by onlookers using a cell phone. The Schenfisch juvenile required treatment at the Garrison hospital. Schenfisch said authorities are investigating the incident and legal action is being considered.
Schenfisch said he alerted school officials following the threatening text message, identifying those who were involved. But the assault followed, that that’s what disappointed Schenfisch. He said he felt the school was lax in following through.
“As far as I’m concerned, the school just swept it under the rug,” he said. “I felt not enough was done.”
High School Principal Jim Upgren responded, saying follow-up had taken place and Superintendent Steve Brannan and staff were notified.
