CLATSKANIE SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE

On October 15, 2013, three former Clatskanie School District students filed a lawsuit
against the District in federal court. The District took the allegations in that lawsuit seriously
and has made numerous changes and improvements since it was filed. Those changes include:

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Increasing mental health services by .5 for the 2014-2015 school year.

•

Forming an anti-bullying committee which includes the Challenge Day Program
which permits grade 7-12 students, parents, community members and staff to
participate in a three day program focusing on life dilemmas and understanding
that we are not alone, have similar thoughts and fears, and are able to find safe
adults and peers to go to in the time of need. More information about this
program can be found at www.challengeday.org. The program has continued
with the current student leadership and the plan is to bring the program back
every three years.

•

Had a representative from the Oregon School Boards Association speak to staff
and students regarding sexual harassment.

•

Added more clubs such as Speech and Debate, Drama, Forestry, to increase
student participation.

•

Increased supervision coverage by staff in the hallways during high traffic
times.

•

Updated the safety plan process.

•

Increased communication with parents through weekly Blackboard Connect.

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Updated drug, alcohol and tobacco policies to increase discipline for on campus
violations and also to increase oversight/consequences of intra-scholastic
students’ off-campus/off-school time behavior.

•

Updated cell phone policies to include “no cell phone use during instructional
times.”

•

Reorganized administrative structure to include a separate Dean of Students,
Athletic Director and Principal allowing for a more open and collaborative
approach to problem solving.

•

Administrators attended training on student discipline and student rights.

The District strives to increase student safety in our buildings. It was not easy for the
students to file suit against the District, but their efforts have brought about positive change. The
District and the students have settled the lawsuit. Each of the students will receive a $75,000
payment from the District’s insurance carrier.

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