Parents in Baraboo are deeply concerned about the district's handling of bullying incidents. Kristina Barnum, the mother of a fourth grader, believes the district has not taken sufficient measures. Her son was bullied multiple times, and she refuses to accept mere apologies. She has kept her son home for nearly a month, stating that someone must advocate for these children. "It's heartbreaking that we have to take this stand," she said.
Parents Demand Action Against Bullying in Baraboo Schools
Parents' Experiences with Bullying
Kristin Johnson, whose second-grade son is a victim of physical bullying, faced a similar struggle. Convincing her son to go to school became a daily battle. It got so bad that she pulled him out and started online classes. She feels the district did not do enough as her son was bullied continuously for a year. Like many parents, she is in a standstill with the district in resolving her child's situation. "I was promised follow-ups but have received none," she said.Parents in general feel there is a lack of communication, inaccurate documentation of bullying incidents, and insufficient consequences for the bullying their children have endured.The Formation of the Parent-Guardian Advisory Committee
After Owen Mergen's son was bullied to the point where police were involved, he joined the newly formed Parent-Guardian Advisory Committee to the Superintendent. The aim of this committee is to work with the superintendent to rebuild trust in the district and find real solutions. "We are learning a lot about how things actually work," Mergen said. "Having a direct line to administration and focusing on parents' concerns gives us hope for good outcomes."District's Response and Its Implications
The School District of Baraboo issued a statement in response to parents' concerns. It stated that their comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment policies require thorough investigations while maintaining confidentiality. Every report is documented and addressed promptly through established procedures. Dr. Rainey Briggs' full statement on the matter can be found below. This shows the district's efforts to address the issue, but parents still feel there is more to be done. They want to see concrete actions and visible changes to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.Parents are committed to finding ways to fix this problem and are actively working towards a better future for their children in the Baraboo school district. READ MORE