Supe: District in the 'Vanguard' on Anti-Bias,-Bullying Programs

East Hampton School Superintendent Richard Burns released the following statement on Friday afternoon with regard to the alleged bullying of David Hernandez Barros:

The school community is deeply upset by the tragedy of David’s death, and our hearts and prayers are with his family and friends.

It is without question that the issue of bullying behaviors is a very real one in our society. Our school district maintains a progressive, affirming culture of respect and acceptance through student-centered programs and services for families. These include everything from our Gay-Straight Alliance clubs to character education, anti-bias programs, cyber-bullying awareness for student and parents, suicide prevention workshops, and numerous other efforts. We consider our district to be in the vanguard with regard to these efforts, and will continue our commitment to this part of the instructional program.

But it’s not just about programs and awareness. The caring professionals of our small school district are responsive to the needs of every student who walks through our doors. Numerous positive interventions are exercised on behalf of individual students on a daily basis. To the best of its abilities, the district attempts to meet the needs of all students in a direct and personal manner.

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