St. Johns County School District Superintendent Brennan Asplen will meet with families Tuesday, Oct. 20, to discuss bullying during the district's second Parent University session at Bartram Trail High School.
The free, hourlong forum runs from 6 to 7 p.m. at 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway in St. Johns. Families can attend in person or participate virtually through Microsoft Teams, according to the district's Parent University page.
Those joining remotely can use the Microsoft Teams link on the district's website or call 904-420-0831 and enter conference ID 911 434 252.
No advance registration is required, according to the First Coast Observer.
New Parent University series connects families with superintendent
Parent University is a new district initiative designed to give parents and guardians opportunities to discuss issues affecting students and their families directly with the superintendent.
The series began Sept. 22 at Sebastian Middle School, where Asplen led a discussion about student attendance.
The Oct. 20 session at Bartram Trail High School will be the program's second meeting and its first focused on bullying.
The district has not released a detailed agenda identifying which aspects of bullying will be addressed.
The program offers both in-person and virtual attendance, allowing families throughout St. Johns County to participate without traveling to the host school.
Florida law requires schools to address bullying and harassment
The discussion comes as Florida school districts operate under the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, which requires districts to maintain policies prohibiting bullying and harassment.
Named in memory of Jeffrey Johnston, a Cape Coral teenager who died by suicide in 2005 after experiencing bullying, the law was enacted in 2008 to strengthen protections for Florida students and establish statewide standards for preventing and addressing bullying in schools.
Under Florida Statute 1006.147, district policies must address bullying and harassment at school, during school-sponsored activities and through certain electronic communications.
The law also establishes requirements for reporting, investigating and responding to allegations of bullying.
St. Johns County School District maintains a bullying and harassment policy under School Board Rule 3.21. Families can find information about reporting incidents through the district's family resources page.
The district has not announced whether the Oct. 20 discussion will focus on cyberbullying, prevention strategies, reporting procedures or other specific concerns.
How families can participate in the Oct. 20 forum
Families interested in attending Parent University have two options:
- In person: Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway, St. Johns.
- Online or by phone: Join through the Microsoft Teams link on the district's Parent University website or call 904-420-0831 and enter conference ID 911 434 252.
The district has not announced dates or topics for additional Parent University sessions beyond October.
Families can check the Parent University website for updates and future meeting information.
The next St. Johns County School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 4:30 p.m. in the district administrative building auditorium, 40 Orange St. in St. Augustine. The meeting will also be accessible virtually through Webex.
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