RioSlum Studio

Published November 3, 2022

Megan Ballard — a parent in the Whitney Point School District — claims the administrators “have not done enough to deal with the racially-charged bullying her 12-year-old son is experiencing,” according to WNBF News Radio.  

WNBF further reported that Ballard’s son is a biracial seventh grader at Tioughnioga Riverside Academy who “has been bullied since he started school in Whitney Point.” Ballard also claims the N-word and other derogatory names were used toward her child.

The school board, in 2005, adopted a Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying policy that covers harassment, intimidation, and retaliatory behaviors. The informal complaint process says,

“Informal remedies include an opportunity for the complainant to explain to the alleged perpetrator that the conduct is unwelcome, disruptive, or inappropriate, either in writing or face-to-face; a statement from a staff member to the alleged perpetrator that the alleged conduct is not appropriate and could lead to discipline if proved or repeated; or a genal public statement from an administrator.”

The policy also says ongoing training is provided to all students and staff to prevent harassment. The Bullying/Harassment Prevention and Intervention policy, adopted by the board in 2012, reiterates the district’s commitment to investigate and deal with cases of bullying. 

WNBF did not report whether Ballard’s son followed district procedures for filing a complaint and no perpetrators have been identified. Ballard’s efforts appear to include notifying the school district and posting messages on social media.

To date, no other claims of bullying from students or parents have been reported. WNBF said the school superintendent reached out to Ballard, but the district’s policies do not reflect any updates. 

Whitney Point Central School District has 1,471 students enrolled in PK – 12 across three schools.