City of Culver City, California
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: _08/06/13__ Item Number: _ A-3
PRCS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM: (1) Consideration of Establishing a Parks,
Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission Ad Hoc Subcommittee to
Develop a PRCS Department Anti-Bullying Policy; and, (2) if Approved, Make
Appointments to the Newly Formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Contact Person/Dept.: Dan Hernandez,
PRCS Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6655
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (Email) Meetings and Agendas – Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission (08/02/13).
Department Approval: Dan Hernandez
(07/30/13)
City Attorney Approval: N/A
Chief Financial Officer Approval: N/A City Manager Approval: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS)
Commission (1) consider establishing a Parks, Recreation and Community Services
(PRCS) Commission Ad Hoc Subcommittee to develop a PRCS Department Anti-
Bullying Policy; and, (2) if approved, make appointments to the newly formed Ad
Hoc Subcommittee.
BACKGROUND:
At the July 22, 2013 City Council meeting, Chair Cooper requested and received
consensus from the other members of the City Council to direct the Parks,
Recreation and Community Services Commission to explore the enhancement of
our anti-bullying policy and procedure for all our park programs and facilities. He
stated that the Culver City Unified School District has done an outstanding job of
addressing bullying in our schools and it is important that those procedures are
echoed at all of our facilities and programs throughout the City.
Specifically, the City Council would like the PRCS Commission to look at ways to
educate those involved in the park and recreation programs regarding the issues of
bullying and develop procedures by which those who do not abide by the policy
would be removed from participation in our City programs. Chair Cooper expressed
that he wholeheartedly believes that every participant in a City program should be
able to participate in a bullying-free environment that promotes mutual respect,
tolerance and acceptance.
City of Culver City, California
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Agenda Item Report
DISCUSSION:
Based on the City Council’s direction to the PRCS Commission detailed above, staff
recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS)
Commission establish an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to develop a PRCS Department
Anti-Bullying Policy. An “ad hoc” subcommittee serves only a limited or single
purpose, it is not perpetual and it is dissolved when its specific task is completed.
Ad-hoc subcommittees do not constitute a “legislative body” and are not subject to
Brown Act requirements, including posting Agendas, public notification of meetings
and recording formal meeting minutes. An Ad Hoc Subcommittee may meet at-will
in informal locations and staff need not be present at meetings. Therefore, the
members of an Ad Hoc Subcommittee have a great deal of latitude in deciding
when, where and how often they wish to meet.
For the Commission’s information, Culver City Unified School District Board of
Education Policy 5131.2(a) Bullying, is provided as Attachment A. The current Code
of Conduct for participants in the PRCS Department’s Camp Programs overseen by
the Recreation Division is provided as Attachment B.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
It is anticipated that if the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission
establishes an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to develop an Anti-Bullying Policy, that Ad Hoc
Subcommittee should be able to carry out the City Council’s directive with minimal
impact on PRCS Department staffing and budgetary resources.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Culver City Unified School District Board of Education Policy 5131.2(a) Bullying
B. Code of Conduct for PRCS Department Camp Programs
MOTIONS:
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
1. Establish a Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission Ad
Hoc Subcommittee to develop a PRCS Department Anti-Bullying Policy; and,
2. Appoint Commissioner ____________ and Commissioner__________ to
the newly formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
MEETING DATE: August 6, 2013
AGENDA ITEM: (1) Consideration of Establishing a Parks, Recreation and
Community Services (PRCS) Commission Ad Hoc
Subcommittee to Develop a PRCS Department Anti-
Bullying Policy; and, (2) if Approved, Make Appointments
to the Newly Formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
A. Culver City Unified School District Board of Education Policy
5131.2(a) Bullying
1 - 3
B. Code of Conduct for PRCS Department Camp Programs
4
Students BP 5131.2(a)
BULLYING
The Governing Board recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school
attendance and desires to provide safe school environments that protect students from physical
and emotional harm. District employees shall establish student safety as a high priority and shall
not tolerate bullying of any student.
No student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass,
sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyberbully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence
against any other student or school personnel.
(cf. 5131 – Conduct)
(cf. 5136 – Gangs)
(cf. 5145.3 – Nondiscrimination/Harassment)
(cf. 5145.7 – Sexual Harassment)
(cf. 5145.9 – Hate-Motivated Behavior)
Bullying/Harassment
The Board of Education affirms the right of every student to attend a school that is safe and
secure. Therefore, the district, schools, students, parents/guardians and community have an
obligation to promote mutual respect and safe, harmonious relations that support dignity and
equality. To that end, the district has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are
designed to reduce and eliminate discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and bullying as well
as processes and procedures to address incidents of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and
bullying when they occur.
These policies and procedures must be disseminated annually to staff, students, and
parents/guardians. These policies shall be publicized to students, parents, employees, agents of
the governing board, and the general public.
The district will not tolerate discrimination, intimidation, harassment, bullying or any behavior
that infringes on the safety or well-being of students, staff, or any other persons within the
district’s jurisdiction whether directed at an individual or group. This includes, but is not limited
to, discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and bullying based on actual or perceived
characteristics and disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or
ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of
these actual or perceived characteristics. (Education Code 48900.2, 48900.3, and 48900.4)
The Board recognizes that some acts of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and bullying
may be isolated and/or unintentional incidents requiring that the school respond appropriately to
the individuals committing the acts. Other acts may indicate a larger pattern of discrimination,
intimidation, harassment, or bullying that require a response either at the classroom, school site,
or district levels or by law enforcement officials. Consequences and appropriate remedial
ATTACHMENT A
Page 1
Students BP 5131.2(b)
BULLYING (Continued)
actions for a student who commits an act of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, or bullying
may range from behavioral intervention and education up to and including suspension or
expulsion. This policy applies to all acts related to school activity or attendance occurring within
a school under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of the district.
In addition to the grounds specified in Education Code sections 48900, sections 48900.2,
48900.3, and 48900.4 provide additional authority to discipline a pupil for conduct that amounts
to bullying. (Education Code 48900, 48900.2, 48900.3 and 48900.4)
Reporting Violations of this Policy
The principal or principal’s designee at each school shall be responsible for receiving complaints
alleging violations of this policy. All staff is expected to provide appropriate supervision to
enforce standards of conduct and, if they observe or become aware of discrimination,
intimidation, harassment, or bullying, to immediately intervene when safe to do so, call for
assistance, and report such incidents. The Board requires that staff follow district and school
procedures for reporting alleged acts of bullying.
All other members of the school community, including students, parents/guardians, volunteers,
and visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy. While
submission of the report form is not required, the reporting party is encouraged to use the report
form available from the principal of each school or at the District Office. Oral reports shall also
be considered official reports. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary
action may not be based solely on an anonymous report. Prompt and reasonable investigation of
alleged acts of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, or bullying is expected.
Students are expected to report all incidents of discrimination, intimidation, harassment,
bullying, teasing, or other verbal or physical abuse. Any student who feels she/he is a target of
such behavior should immediately contact a teacher, counselor, principal, or staff person. If the
student who was bullied believes the situation has not been remedied, she/he may file a
complaint in accordance with district procedures.
Students and parents are to be informed annually of the process by which they may make reports
of bullying or harassment.
Complaints and Investigation
When a student is reported to be engaging in bullying off campus, the Superintendent or
designee shall investigate and document the activity and shall identify specific facts or
circumstances that explain the impact or potential impact on school activity, school attendance,
or the targeted student’s educational performance.
Page 2
Students BP 5131.2(c)
BULLYING (Continued)
When the circumstances involve cyberbullying, individuals with information about the activity
shall be encouraged to save and print any electronic or digital messages sent to them that they
feel constitute cyberbullying and to notify a teacher, the principal, or other employee so that the
matter may be investigated.
If the student is using a social networking site or service that has terms of use that prohibit
posting of harmful material, the Superintendent or designee also may file a complaint with the
Internet site or service to have the material removed.
(cf. 3515.4 – Recovery for Property Loss or Damage)
(cf. 5137 – Positive School Climate)
(cf. 5131.5 – Vandalism, Theft, and Graffiti)
(cf. 5144.1 – Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)
(cf. 5144.2 – Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process – Students with Disabilities)
(cf. 5145.3 – Nondiscrimination/Harassment)
(cf. 5145.7 – Sexual Harassment)
(cf. 5145.9 – Hate-Motivated Behavior)
Legal Reference
EDUCATION CODE
200-262.4 – Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex
48900.2 - Additional grounds for suspension or expulsion; sexual harassment
48900.3 - Additional grounds for suspension or expulsion; Hate Violence
48900.4 - Additional grounds for suspension or expulsion; harassment, threats or intimidation
48904 - Liability of parent/guardian for willful student misconduct
48980 - Notice at beginning of term
Policy CULVER CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Reviewed: June 12, 2012 Culver City, California
Policy Adopted: June 26, 2012
Page 3Code of Conduct for Recreation Camp Programs
Discipline: Our staff is trained to work in the childcare field. As such, it is understood
that discipline is defined as the modeling of positive behavior by the adult staff. Proper
discipline aids in the development of self-control, self-esteem and respect for self and
others. Through proper discipline, children are able to distinguish for themselves the
difference between right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. In order to
preserve a healthy and safe environment, disciplinary action will be handled as follows:
No Tolerance Policy: Fighting, biting, spitting, choking, scratching or destruction of
camp equipment or property; these actions warrant an immediate (2) day suspension.
? First Offense – Verbal warning by staff
? Second Offense – 5 minute time out away from the group
? Third Offense – Parent notified for conference with the Day Camp Director
? Fourth Offense – The child will be suspended or removed from the program for
1-3 days at the Day Camp Director’s discretion and the consent of the Recreation
Supervisor. The decision will be based upon the Day Camp Director’s appraisal
of the child’s behavior as well as the parent’s involvement in aiding the child to
overcome the behavioral problems.
? Fifth Offense – The child will not be allowed to attend the program. No refund
will be given.
Please Note: A child who has had disciplinary action taken in a previous camp will be
restricted from enrolling in (2) consecutive camps. A conference with the Recreation
Supervisor and Camp Director is required if parents would like to re-enroll their child in
the program. This conference will be to determine if there have been any improvements
in behavior and to stress any miss-behavior will result in immediate removal from the
program. If your child is granted approval to return, you will be notified by mail. Once the
child returns they will be placed on a probation status for (1) year. During the
probationary period, if the child has one offense, they will not be allowed to continue
with the program. No refund will be given.
Note: If property is damaged as a result of abuse by a camper, the parent of the
camper may incur the cost for the repairs or replacement of the damaged property.
ATTACHMENT B
Page 4