Marlborough School Committee Accepts $16,700 in Donations, Reviews Rising Bullying Data

MARLBOROUGH — September 10, 2024 — Marlborough School Committee hears that bullying rates have climbed at both Whitcomb School and Marlborough High School since 2021. Superintendent Christian presented data from the 2023 Metro West Adolescent Health Survey, covering 38,074 students across 25 communities, showing that 33 percent of Whitcomb students and 23 percent of high school students reported being bullied in the past 12 months — up from lows of roughly 20 to 25 percent and 14 percent, respectively, recorded during the pandemic year of 2021. LGBTQ-plus students reported bullying at 52 percent at the middle school level. The committee also heard that Cane Elementary School is now officially out of classroom space after a sudden first-grade enrollment spike, prompting a last-minute teacher transfer from Jarek School before the year began. Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Ms. O'Brien reported that the district has fully implemented the state's new DESE special education IEP form ahead of a deadline most Massachusetts districts missed. The committee unanimously accepted five community donations totaling approximately $16,700 in backpacks, supplies, and cash, including an $8,000 contribution from former student David DePaula who fundraised to purchase 300 backpacks.