The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn School Board took action on a plan that directly addressed peer conflict and bullying following concerns in the district.

Superintendent Greg Dufoe says the school board approved the Response Plan that looks to improve their system that addresses student behavior and incidents of bullying by utilizing guidance from experts. Dufoe explains this plan is in response to the freshman student that died by suicide last month.

“We feel like this is a very good first step. For us to come around, you know, the concerns have been brought to our attention regarding managing peer conflict and incidents of bullying so we certainly feel like we have opportunities to improve as I think any Iowa school district would in this area. So we’re viewing it as an opportunity to really take a hard look at our policies and practices and find opportunities to improve.”  

Dufoe says that the policy changes will cover improvements to how they respond to a crisis like a loss of a student along with addressing all facets of student discipline and behavior. 

“The components of our plan moving ahead really revolve around listening and trying to identify what maybe the issues are and what our current reality is and developing a plan to move forward.” 

Dufoe says that while the Board approved the response plan, they will continue to gather information and deliver reports to the school board at meetings.