The video that lasted more than 10 minutes is disappointing, said Southeastern Local School Superintendent David Shea.
“This was probably the longest 10-minute video I ever watched,” he said. “You care about every kid in that video and you want them to do the right thing. This is something that we are going to have to work on.”
The mother of the boy who is being followed around the field said she contacted the school the day after the incident but said she was unsatisfied with the response.
Shea said the district takes all bullying concerns seriously and has incorporated an anti-bullying message into their five-year plan. He said the district also reinforces positive behavior through its curriculum beginning when their students are young.
“We want to establish a good school climate,” he said. “We need to do that for our kids.”
The district released a statement on its Facebook page Friday afternoon commenting on concerns the community had after watching the video.
“The actions demonstrated by some of our students in the video posted on YouTube are disappointing and disheartening,” the district said in the statement. “The bullying, harassment and profanity shown in the video will not be tolerated at Southeastern. The district will be contacting parents of the students inciting bullying and/or the improper behaviors contained within the video. Parents of the students that were bullied or harassed will also be contacted.”
The mother said the district had reached out to her to offer their support and to promise change.
The district said they are working on an action plan for when students return to school next school year.
“Within this action plan, there will be a review of supervision protocol concerning staff responsibilities for students and an enhanced focus on the district’s anti-bullying message. Increased professional development for teachers regarding bullying and harassment will continue to be a primary focus. There will also be continued anti-bullying education for students.”
“Starting the 2019/2020 school year the district is implementing the Ohio Department of Education endorsed “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS)” behavioral system. PBIS is a proactive system that looks to deter negative behaviors before they begin. PBIS is a consistent school-wide approach provided by the Ohio PBIS model. PBIS is also an evidence-based prevention and intervention process that supports the academic, social, emotional and behavioral competence of all students,” the district said in the statement.
The district said anyone with information of another bullying case should contact the school so it too can be investigated.
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