Spring-Ford Superintendent’s Full Remarks on Bullying

Editor's Note: On Monday, Spring-Ford Superintendent David Goodin addressed claims of bullying at Spring-Ford schools  that were brought up in a Patch Letter to the Editor.  Here is a full transcript of his remarks:

Every parent wants to make sure that their child is happy and safe, so understandably when they discover an issue affecting their son or daughter’s wellbeing, they want to see actions taken to protect them.

Like parents, Spring-Ford teachers, staff and administration share the same commitment, working daily to keep students safe and provide them with a nurturing, caring environment where they can grow.

When educators learn of bullying incidents that impact our students, swift and appropriate action is taken to fully investigate the situation and when these situations are substantiated, any student found to be in violation of this policy will be disciplined accordingly.

Making all students feel included and welcome is of the utmost importance – that is why Spring-Ford elementary and intermediate schools have long-established social programs that teach respect, selflessness and acceptance

Our programs stress that no matter our differences, we are equals – and that is what makes us unique.

I will point out though that there is no program that exists – in the world – that will make people be nice to each other.

We can be diligent, we can teach these values and virtues to our students, but there is no program that will make students, or much less adults, be nice to each other.

I can say when we come across situations where students are reported as being bullied, we investigate it thoroughly and address the matter.

Last year, the district worked along with Niblick family to launch “Friend Watch” – an online forum on the district website that allows students to anonymously report bullying incidents so building staff can investigate those concerns.

This provides a powerful, valuable tool that provides staff with another set of eyes and ears in the fight against student intimidation and bullying.

Again, I want to stress that Spring-Ford takes the issues of bullying, and all issues that impacts on safety and peace of mind very seriously, and I welcome parents who have concerns to welcome their building principals.

Spring-Ford School Board President Thomas DiBello asked Goodin about the claim from readers on the Letter to the Editor that teachers are aware of the bullying and don't report it.

I was very disturbed with the accusation that these things are witness, observed, tolerated and not addressed.  I take exception to that claim.

I would say that when reports are made, and investigations are conducted and we are able to substantiate that this is happening, we indeed do take action, and swiftly - that seems to be a prominent thought across the administrative team

As our staff comes back, we will once again bring that out and make it prominent that we need to deal with this kind of behavior swiftly, and be intolerant to this kind of behavior.

I watched the comments, and as many of readers commented, my heart was broken as well, number one that it occurs, but secondly the charge challenge being leveled at the district that it is being ignored, because I take exception to that.

Simply go into our elementary schools and see the pro-social themes and the focus on respect – all of the characteristics we want to see in human beings being prominently a part of what happens in our schools

I can assure you that those situations are addressed, and we will move forward to continue to do the best we can.