NORWICH – Following recent events at the Norwich High School that brought the issue of bullying front and center during a school board meeting earlier this month, board members revisited the issue during a special meeting called Tuesday.
Noticeably less tension filled the air while more than 100 people attended last night’s meeting. During a meeting on Nov. 13, hundreds of parents, teachers and concerned community members voiced their discontent with the school’s handling of bullying, particularly in the high school. Outrage was sparked by an incident on Nov. 8 involving two high school students that resulted in one being transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Binghamton with serious injuries.
After the controversy, district officials took action, removing High School Principal Lisa Schuchman from her position and reassigning her to “other district responsibilities,” according to a statement from Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan on Nov. 14.
Last night, Deputy Superintendent Robert Wightman addressed the assembly to clarify changes initiated within the high school to ensure safety among students and faculty, changes he assured will “help begin to promote a culture of positive change” and a “safer, more cohesive learning environment” at NHS. A statement read by Wightman outlined changes as the following:
• Redefined roles and responsibilities of existing staff members
• Movement of additional support to the high school
• Formation of a Building Leadership Team
• Focused faculty meetings and discussion on immediate issues and planning interventions
• Continued Norwich Police presence in the building
• Authorization of budgetary expenses for an additional hall monitor position
Additionally, Wightman noted that all faculty and staff will persistently uphold three basic rules: no fighting; no inappropriate language or behavior; and no electronic devices disrupting academics. “Non-conformance will not be tolerated any longer,” he said.
Wightman’s oration was followed by inquiry from board Vice President Linda Horovitz regarding the written consequences of violating the rules. Board member Joseph Stagliano also asked what is being done to reinforce rules and promote a safe learning environment in the middle school, Perry Browne Elementary and Gibson Primary School. “I think we have to look at the entire district,” he said.
Assistant High School Principal Kisten Giglio, who is currently spearheading questions concerning academic programming and student activities for the time being, also had a few moments to address board members with the same anti-bullying lecture and presentation she gave to high school students earlier this month. The presentation focused on the positive aspects of NHS and encouraging students to take proactive stance on discrimination and violent behavior.
For most who spoke during the public comment session, efforts made by the board and the administration in the past two weeks were applauded, although they also recognized such efforts should be continuous.
NHS senior John Antonowicz, who wore a shirt that read “I don’t feel safe at NHS” while addressing board members during the last board meeting, showed a more positive composure last night in light of recent changes. “I want to thank the board with where they’re going,” he said, adding that he’s recently noticed less belligerence and less foul language in the hallways of the school. “I hope they continue to go in this direction because I think that’s going to get us back where we need to be.”
“I was quite disturbed when I heard about the incident that happened here,” said community member Mark DeMellier, although adding commendation for the board’s efforts to address some of the issues. In reference to an incident occurring last year, when DeMellier said performance reviews of a teacher were available to be seen by the public, he argued that the board consider doing the same for school officials to better district leadership. “Maybe it’s time, since you opened Pandora’s box, that you put administrators’ reviews up to see,” he said. He also requested that the board encourage elected state and local officials to take part in upcoming school board meetings.
An executive session was called after the meeting to discuss the employment history of one individual. No action was taken by the board afterward.