Dating abuse was a hot topic at the Holbrook Unified School District Governing Board meeting on Tuesday, as school officials decided whether to implement a school policy or an education program.
The district was required by state law to hold a public meeting regarding the issue, but was not required to take any specific action. Students, teachers, administrators and board members all agreed, however, that some type of action is necessary.
Several high school students urged the school board to include training regarding dating abuse and domestic violence as part of regular health classes.
“I think a lot of students don’t know the signs of abuse and think that it’s normal,” said student Elizabeth Perry. “They need to know what it is and how to deal with it.”
Superintendent Robbie Koerperich explained that the board needs to consider whether the schools should be involved, and if so, how much.
“As an education board, what is our role?” he asked. “Maybe we need to expand education programs. Or, do we need a policy?”
Koerperich asked health teachers from both Holbrook Junior High School and Holbrook High School what is already included in the classes, and whether they felt more education or a policy was needed.
Teachers from both schools noted that classes include some information on relationships and mental health, but are not specific to dating abuse. They suggested that additional opportunities be provided for students to learn about dating abuse, including how to recognize it, prevent it and stop it. They pointed out, however, that any curriculum should be designed specifically for the grade being taught.
Community member Kristi Hillebert told the board that she has just been selected to serve as the coordinator for the domestic violence advocacy program for North Country Healthcare in Holbrook. She explained that she has already done a significant amount of research on dating violence and suggested that education start in seventh grade. She noted that by the time many students reach high school, they have already witnessed or been involved in some type of domestic violence situation, and early education could help break the cycle.
Several teachers pointed out that although a policy would help guide a teacher or counselor’s actions if a student reported dating abuse, it would do little to help students know what to do in an abusive situation.
“I don’t think most students would tell their teachers or the counselors,” Perry told the board. “I think we need it in our classes.”
Board member Olivia Jaquez agreed, and asked staff members to research programs and curriculums that could be implemented in the coming school year. The board voted unanimously to have staff move forward with finding a suitable educational program to be brought back to the board for final approval.
In other action May 10, the board:
* Approved adoption of the “Why Try” counseling program that targets truancy, behavior problems and drop-out prevention.
* Approved amendments to policies regarding retirement and bereavement leave for professional and support staff.
* Approved summer school-sponsored activities, such as athletic tournaments and camps, and summer school.
* Approved 2011-12 handbooks for HJHS and HHS.
* Accepted the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) compliance questionnaire for fiscal year 2010.
* Approved the creation of a low incident teacher/transition specialist at HJHS and HHS for the 2011-12 school year.
* Approved travel for the HHS Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state champions to attend the national competition in Anaheim, Calif.
* Approved the annual general statement of assurance, as required by the Arizona Department of Education.
The next school board meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, at the district office in Holbrook.
