Harassment Resources & Reporting

Promoting safe and healthy learning environments is a core value of the District. District Policy 3207 and its associated procedures, 3207P, defines HIB as any intentional act that physically harms, severely interferes with education, or fosters an intimidating or threatening environment for students. Often, though not always, HIB incidents involve an observed or perceived power imbalance and are repeated multiple times or are highly likely to be repeated. 

Your child might have someone in particular they have a relationship with in the school who they trust and would like you to contact. This is one place where you might start. However, I also want our families to know about the many people we have in the schools who can answer questions, offer support, or assist you with the best ways we can intervene.

• Teachers
• Principals
• School Counselors at IMS and MIHS
• Mercer Island Youth and Family Counselors (Each school has one or two full-time mental counselors)
• Mercer Island Police School Resource Officer

If you are concerned about a incident on a school bus report information to the Transportation Department, attention Patrick Rock at 206-236-3337.

The District is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, both in physical and virtual settings.

If you have concerns related to harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), discrimination, or sexual harassment, please reach out to a school administrator or trusted adult as soon as possible. Prompt communication from our students and families allows us to quickly and effectively address such behaviors, mitigating their impact on our students and the broader educational community. Students may also report such instances using the Say Something Anonymous Reporting system either on their school issued device or via the link.

Should your HIB complaint involve elements of discrimination or sexual harassment, it will be investigated under the appropriate procedures to ensure a comprehensive resolution. A HIB report that involves discrimination or sexual harassment may be investigated under both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) or Sexual Harassment (3205P) Procedure and the HIB Procedure (3207P). 

Additionally, the below are designated points of contact to whom you may report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

• Harassment, Hazing, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB):

HIB  Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)

• Discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org) 

• Sexual harassment/Discrimination:

Title IX Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org) 

• Disability Discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: Dr. Sue Ann Bube, Director (206.236.3329 & sueann.bube@mercerislandschools.org)

• Gender Identity Discrimination:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org) 

If you feel your child has experienced or observed a HIB, please speak up as soon as possible so we can begin to address it. We encourage out students to do the same. All school staff are committed to preventing and addressing HIB so feel free to raise your concerns with whoever you feel most comfortable, be it an administrator, teacher, paraeducator, nurse, counselor, etc.. 

When alerting the District of a possible HIB, you can share your concerns using: 

1. HIB Reporting Form: This form should be submitted to an administrator, HIB compliance officer, or a trusted adult staff member. The HIB reporting form is designed to help you think and write down the key information the school will need to look into your concerns. 
2. Email, phone, or in-person Reports: Reports can be made by mail or verbally in person (4160 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040), phone at 206-236-3330, or email. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident. 
3. Anonymously: Reports can be made anonymously 24/7, 365 days a year using Say Something Anonymous Reporting System accessible via an App installed on District-provided student devices, online via web-browser, and by phone (1-844-5-SayNow). No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

When you or a student reports such an incident to the school, it triggers several protective and corrective actions designed to support the alleged victim and stop and prevent a recurrence of the HIB. Under District Policy, retaliation against those who report HIB is strictly prohibited. Our staff are committed to enforcing this Policy and taking actions designed to protect reporters from retaliation. 

Upon reporting, you will receive guidance and support from our staff. If initial measures resolve the concern, no further action is needed. However, unresolved issues will lead to a more formal investigation, ensuring every student's right to a safe educational environment is maintained. The District's HIB Compliance Officer, Erin Battersby, typically conducts or oversees these more formal investigations. Erin is also proactive in working with school leaders to address and prevent HIB. She can be reached at 206.230.6227 for assistance or to discuss any concerns directly.

When you submit a complaint, either the administrator leading the investigation or our HIB Compliance Officer will promptly notify the families of all students involved and initiate a thorough investigation. This process is typically completed within five school days, unless you agree to or circumstances necessitate a different timeline, in which case we will communicate with you to set a mutually agreeable deadline. If the complexity of a HIB requires extended time, you will be kept informed of the anticipated completion date.

Upon concluding the investigation, the responsible administrator or the HIB Compliance Officer will, within two days,  inform the person who reported the incident about the outcomes. The response from the district will include:

• A summary of the investigation findings,
• A determination of whether the allegations of HIB were substantiated,
• Any necessary corrective measures or remedies, and
• Detailed information on how to appeal the decision, should you find it necessary.

This process, which is outlined in greater detail in Policy 3207P, ensures that each case is handled with the seriousness it deserves and keeps you informed every step of the way.  

If the resolution of a HIB complaint does not meet your expectations, appeals can be made to the Superintendent or designated staff member. The District’s Prohibition of HIB Policy 3207 and implementing procedure, 3207P, provide clear steps and timelines (5 days from the date of receiving the decision) on how to proceed with an appeal, emphasizing our commitment to fairness and thorough review.

Please note that a student who is found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the HIB investigatory decision but may appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please review the  District’s policies and HIB webpage.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student's property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; or
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

More from the state's Office of the Education Ombudsman: 10 Tips for Families to Prevent and Address Bullying

washington state Resources

• Bullying intro FAQ (Power point download)
• Cyberbullying FAQ (Power point download)
• Washington state harassment, intimidation, and bullying law

1. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

2. Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K- 12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597