Hello Rowland Families,
Rowland High School prides itself on being firm, fair, and consistent in all areas, including addressing student behavior. Unfortunately, with situations involving students we are unable to share specifics and details around the students themselves, the situation, precipitating events and disciplinary action. We are bound by the California Education Code and various federal and state laws which govern all public schools in California. The situation has been, and will continue to be, taken very seriously. The behavior that was displayed on the video is not supported, condoned or excused in anyway by Rowland High School or the Rowland Unified School District. We firmly believe in holding students responsible and accountable for their actions within the parameters all public schools must operate. Our administrative team immediately conducted a full investigation to gather all of the critical information, which under privacy laws cannot be disclosed to the public.
Due to the nature of the current situation it naturally draws out emotional responses. The broader community has repeatedly demanded a response from the school to engage in punitive actions that are not within California Education Code. There is also an implied misconception that there are limited options to address such a complex situation. As a school, when a student or students engage in behavior that is absolutely inappropriate, we must look to see what consequences are best to bring about change, for the students directly and indirectly involved. As a school, we have many interventions and actions that can be applied to correct behavior and provide accountability to those involved as a part of the reform process for students that violate expectations and rules.
In the end I am responsible to meet the needs of all students, including those directly and indirectly involved in this incident. All students, who are minors and not adults, have the right to due process.
I ask that you show trust in me, our school, and our district in following our professional judgement and expertise, combined with compliance with state law and mandates, as we address this matter. Trust that I have our student’s safety as my highest priority. Rowland High School does not tolerate bullying and its presence on any school campus is unacceptable. As a school community we will continue to support our students in a strong anti-bullying stance and address the importance of students involving themselves to stop these types of actions if they see them occurring or know that they are occurring. This incident is not a reflection of our values and beliefs as a school community and again, is not acceptable. As we work through the matter, the students and staff at Rowland High School are working together to leverage the negative energy of this event into a positive outcome for our entire school population and community.
Thank you for your continued support and care for the students and staff of Rowland High School.
Thank You,
Mitch Brunyer
Rowland High School Principal