Chief School Officer Courtney Jarman and Katie Matheny, director of student support services, detailed Powhatan County Public Schools’ bullying procedures and fielded questions from board members.

Jarman summarized the district’s process: initial documentation of date and time when a report is received; notification to parents of involved students within 24 hours “per Virginia code;” investigation steps including interviews of alleged bully, victim and witnesses; review of electronic evidence such as social‑media posts or messages; recording findings in a spreadsheet to track incidents; and a planning meeting that can recommend interventions ranging from restorative practices to suspension. “Within the first 24 hours per Virginia code, we need to notify any parents of anyone involved,” Jarman said.

Matheny framed the district’s definition as three prongs: (1) intent to harm (physical or emotional), (2) a power imbalance, and (3) repetition over time or severe trauma. She said all three elements are considered when classifying an incident as bullying. “We’re really at looking at, like, a 3‑prong approach… Is there intent to harm? Is there a power imbalance? And is it repeated over time, or is there such severe emotional trauma attached to it?” Matheny said.

Staff emphasized proactive parent resources: a printed bullying‑prevention brochure distributed to every student, a recorded virtual coffee chat (posted to the district website) and the anonymous, middle/high‑school reporting tool “Silence Hurts.” Matheny and Jarman said the district records every reported incident—founded or unfounded—and the documentation supports follow‑up and trend analysis.

Board members pressed for clarity about examples and thresholds. Matheny and Jarman gave scenarios that could be classified as unfounded (isolated teasing or mutual conflict) versus bullying (an older student repeatedly intimidating a younger student on a bus) and said investigators will prioritize cases that raise immediate safety concerns.

The presentation concluded with encouragement that parents report concerns even if they are uncertain, and a reminder that district staff will investigate each report.