During a recent Edgewood school board meeting, parents and community members voiced serious concerns regarding incidents of bullying and the treatment of students by staff at Brentwood Middle School. One parent, representing a student affected by bullying, urged the board to prioritize student safety and well-being, emphasizing the need for teachers to be held accountable during investigations of such incidents. The speaker highlighted the importance of collaboration among teachers, families, and the community to create a supportive environment for students.

Another parent shared a distressing account of her daughter being verbally and physically assaulted by a PE coach over a uniform issue. The mother described how the coach's degrading comments led to a physical confrontation, leaving her daughter traumatized and unable to return to school. She called for immediate action, including the suspension of the coach pending an investigation, and expressed frustration over the lack of communication and support from school officials.

Additional speakers echoed these sentiments, stressing that students cannot thrive in an environment where they feel unsafe or bullied, particularly by those meant to protect and educate them. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the district's response to bullying incidents and the need for better oversight and accountability from school leadership.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for systemic changes within the Edgewood school district to ensure a safe and nurturing educational environment for all students. Parents are calling for more effective policies and practices to address bullying and to ensure that educators are held to high standards of conduct. The board's response to these issues will be closely monitored by the community as they seek to restore trust and safety in their schools.