Recent investigations into abuse create questions about accountability and handling of past complaints
By Andrew Harris
When a parent took her complaint about a Bolivar-Richburg employee to social media last week, the small community recoiled and winced. The post about the alleged misconduct was taken down but not before it popped open a can of worms.
Parents of Bolivar-Richburg students have contacted the Wellsville Sun about both the current allegations of misconduct and past issues of a similar nature. After receiving and reviewing these reports we asked district Superintendent Michael Retzlaff about the schools policies for handling these complaints.
The Wellsville Sun asked Retzlaff is flurry of questions:
“Does the district have a standard protocol for addressing complaints by students and parents about misconduct?
Is the protocol for handling student complaints the same as parents?
Are those protocols in writing and if so can you forward me that documentation ?
Within that protocol, could you please explain what circumstances must exist in order to involve the local police department? “
The superintendent was prompt in his reply which included a copy of the districts policy on “Sexual harassment of students.” Mr. Retzlaff replied:
“Thank you for reaching out. Although we cannot comment on a specific personnel matter, Bolivar Richburg remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students — accordingly, the District takes all complaints seriously. A full and complete investigation will be completed by the District in compliance with its anti-harassment policy (see attached).”
Read the full policy below. Are you or your family impacted by similar issues at Bolivar-Richburg? If you haven’t reported your issue to the administration, you should and can email Mr. Retzlaff directly: MRetzlaff@bolivarrichburg.org. If you have, and you find that report was not properly handled, feel free to contact us, News@WellsvilleSun.com.
