Superintendent: Bullying Case in Concord a Good Reminder for Bedford

The bullying case at Concord-Carlisle High School provides a reminder of how important and serious the issue of bullying is for all school districts, said Bedford Superintendent Jon Sills.

A $2 million federal lawsuit was filed by a former student against Concord-Carlisle and school officials in that district because she said they failed to act after she reported the bullying – which included death threats. Sill said he is not familiar with the details of the case but he said he is always concerned about bullying.

“It’s important we are reminded both how painful it is for kids and that we should take bullying seriously.” Sills said.

In Bedford, anti-bullying programs have been put into place at all levels, Sills said. Particular attention is focused on the middle schools, because that is when incidents of bullying are most likely to take place.

When incidents do occur, Sills said, counselors work not only with the targets of the bullying but also with those perpetrating it.

Last year an anti-bullying expert came to talk to parents in Bedford. See the video from the visit by Bedford TV by clicking here.

When school begins in September, the issue of bullying will be discussed with students, but Sills said the incident in Concord probably will not be part of it.

“I don’t anticipate the concord incident being brought up with the kids,” Sill said. “I do think it will be brought up with teaches and counselors.”