One of the central topics of discussion was the high volume of HIB incidents reported within the Mount Olive School District, which is the second largest in its county. The board clarified that the definition of bullying includes gestures, written or verbal acts, physical actions, or electronic communications perceived as driven by an actual or perceived characteristic. It was noted that not all conflicts between students meet the criteria for bullying, emphasizing that a substantial disruption to the school environment is required for an incident to qualify as bullying under legal definitions.

The board discussed the necessity for a structured investigation process whenever a potential HIB report is made. School counselors conduct interviews to understand the context of the incident. Although the term “bullying” is often used colloquially, the board highlighted the importance of formal investigation protocols in the school setting. The process aims not to determine guilt or innocence but to ensure that the school environment remains safe and supportive for all students.

Specific consequences applied to students cannot be disclosed due to privacy concerns, and the board emphasized the importance of communicating to families that action is taken even if an incident does not meet the HIB definition. Parents were encouraged to support their children in being open during investigations, as withholding information could impede the effectiveness of the process.

The meeting also introduced the college application boot camp, a new initiative designed to assist seniors in navigating their college applications. This program is part of a broader guidance initiative. The board expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, recognizing its potential to benefit students by providing them with targeted resources and assistance.

In addition to these discussions, the board reviewed the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) self-assessment for the 2024-25 school year, presented by Miss Jackie Bellow. She explained that the process is a structured assessment, requiring collaboration among anti-bullying coordinators, specialists, and school climate and safety teams across different schools. The goal is to ensure compliance with state regulations and enhance the district’s anti-bullying programs. Miss Bellow emphasized the importance of parental involvement in upcoming school climate surveys, which will inform the discussions and drive future initiatives.

The board also considered the unique performance metrics of each school within the district, noting variations influenced by personnel changes, the volume of incidents being investigated, and program availability. This discussion highlighted the district’s average performance score, which is slightly over 76, as each school continues to strive for improvement.

Public comments during the meeting included a light-hearted discussion on Halloween festivities, with Jeannie O’Neal advocating for kindness and understanding towards special needs children who may be perceived as too old for trick-or-treating. Her remarks were met with laughter and agreement from the board, emphasizing the importance of community acceptance.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board expressed appreciation for the hard work of teachers and staff during a period filled with numerous activities and events across the district. Several board members acknowledged the achievements of the marching band, tennis, volleyball, and gymnastics teams, celebrating their contributions to the school community.