October 24th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

WCBC News hosted a forum for candidates running for open seats on the Allegany County Board of Education on Wednesday evening.  Four candidates are running for two positions.  WCBC News asked the candidates about the ongoing issues of bullying in schools.   Incumbent candidate Chrystal Bender offered her thoughts…

“Just because a few fights were posted on social media does not mean that bullying is out of control in our school system because that’s what Cumberland On Patrol posted.  That’s not accurate and just because it was posted does not mean nothing is being done about it. We do have a bullying policy and that policy is in line with the State of Maryland and we are required to follow their guidance on that.”

Another incumbent, Tammy Fraley, stated her ideas on the subject…

“The concern that many people have is that we’re not taking it to the next level and punishing these children or getting something done to make it stop. And that’s far from the truth.”

Candidate Max Green spoke on the bullying issue…

 “Allegany High School piloted a program called school pass that is a digital hall pass program. What that allowed students and teachers to do is track and audit reports of who was going to and from classrooms. They even had the ability to not issue hall passes if for example if another student had a hall pass that was known to have a bullying or other issue with another student.”               

Gerry LaFemina gave his overview of the subject…

“One of the issues we have to have is a clear universal policy about discipline that builds on COMAR and that is communicated to students and parents and community members.”