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Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Resources & Reporting – Ellensburg School District
Ellensburg School District is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. If you experience or observe harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), or a civil rights concern, the normal first point of contact is your building principal. You can also report concerns using the options below. Retaliation for reporting is strictly prohibited.
Filing a HIB Report as a Student or Family Member
Here are the various methods available to you for reporting harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
1) Online – StopIt
Submit a report through StopIt. Reports can be anonymous. You may upload photos, videos, or screenshots and communicate securely with school staff. StopIt reports are monitored during school days/hours. In an emergency, always call 911.
2) Official HIB Reporting Form
Complete the Ellensburg School District HIB Reporting Form. You may submit it via email to your building principal or return a paper copy to your school office or building principal. Paper copies are available at every school.
Get the Official Form3) Informal Written Complaint
Provide a written statement (email or paper) to your building principal or another staff member describing what happened, when/where it occurred, and who was involved or witnessed the incident.
4) Informal Verbal Complaint
Share your concern verbally with your building principal or any staff member. Staff who receive a report must promptly notify an administrator.
Anonymous, Confidential, and Non-Confidential (Formal) Reporting
Understand the different ways you can file a report and the implications of each method.
Anonymous
Your name is not provided to the district (e.g., through StopIt). We will review the concern, offer supportive measures, and monitor safety. However, discipline for an alleged aggressor cannot be based solely on an anonymous report.
Confidential
You identify yourself to an administrator or the Compliance Officer but request limited disclosure. We can take steps to support you and may be able to investigate; some information may need to be shared if required by law.
Non-Confidential (Formal)
You provide your identity and details to initiate the formal process under district policy and Washington law. You will receive written findings and appeal information at the conclusion of the investigation.
What to Expect After Filing a Complaint
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process once a HIB report has been submitted.
STEP 1: Initial Contact
- A school administrator will contact you within two (2) school days of receiving the report.
- A meeting will be scheduled with an administrator, the student, and parent/guardian(s) as appropriate.
STEP 2 – Option 1: Informal Resolution (when appropriate)
May include, but is not limited to:
- Developing a success/support plan for the targeted student.
- A mediated conversation between the complainant and the alleged aggressor (when safe and appropriate).
- A warning and education for the alleged aggressor by an administrator.
At any time, the complainant may request to initiate a formal investigation.
STEP 2 – Option 2: Formal Investigation
- A formal investigation will be initiated when warranted or requested and will be completed within five (5) school days. If additional time is required, weekly updates will be provided to parents/guardians.
- The investigation may include interviews with involved parties and witnesses, review of records, and collection of other relevant information.
STEP 3: Written Response & Follow-Up to a Formal Investigation
- No later than two (2) school days after the investigation is completed, a written response will be provided to the parent/guardian of the targeted student and the parent/guardian of the alleged aggressor.
- A written report will also be provided to the District Compliance Officer.
- If a student is found to have been subjected to HIB, appropriate district support services will be offered.
If You Report Non-Anonymously, Please Consider:
- A building administrator will contact you regarding your experience.
- You may choose to report confidentially or non-confidentialy.
- Depending on the information provided, an investigation may or may not occur.
- In some situations, an investigation may be required by law.
Is it Rude, Mean/Conflict, or HIB?
Learn the distinctions between different types of behavior to help determine how to best address it.
Rude
Inadvertent or thoughtless behavior that hurts feelings or shows poor manners (e.g., cutting in line, blurting out a comment).
Mean
Intentional unkind behavior that may be one-time or isolated (e.g., a hurtful comment or exclusion).
Conflict
A disagreement between peers with relatively equal power; upsetting, but not bullying by itself.
Bullying (HIB)
Repeated or significant acts—written, verbal, physical, or electronic—that cause harm, substantially interfere with education, create an intimidating or threatening environment, or substantially disrupt school. Bullying can involve a power imbalance and may be motivated by a protected characteristic (civil rights).
Appeals (Alleged Target)
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of a HIB investigation, you have the right to appeal.
Step 1 – Appeal to the Superintendent
- Submit a written appeal within five (5) school days after receiving the written decision from the principal/designee.
- The Superintendent (or designee) will review the file and issue a written decision within five (5) school days of receiving the appeal.
Step 2 – Appeal to the Board of Directors
- If you are not satisfied with the Superintendent’s decision, submit a written appeal to the Board within five (5) school days.
- The Board will schedule an appeal hearing within ten (10) school days and issue a written decision within five (5) school days after the hearing.
Step 3 – Appeal to OSPI
- If you disagree with the Board’s decision, you may appeal to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) within thirty (30) calendar days.
- OSPI will provide filing instructions and review under state rules.
State & Legal Information and Crisis Resources
Understanding the legal definitions of HIB and knowing who to contact for help.
Washington State Legal Definition of HIB
HIB means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act that:
- 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.
Civil Rights & Title IX Complaints
Complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment may be filed in writing with the building principal, Superintendent, or the District Compliance Officer. Investigations are typically completed within thirty (30) calendar days unless an extension is necessary. A written decision will include findings, remedies, and appeal rights.
Crisis Resources (Kittitas County & National)
- Kittitas County 24/7 Crisis Line: 509-925-4168
- Regional Crisis Line (Greater Columbia BH-ASO): 1-888-544-9986
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Ellensburg School District is not notified when you contact these services. Call 911 for immediate danger or emergencies.
Related Policies, Resources, and Contacts
For more information, please refer to the following district policies and contacts.
Related District Policies & Procedures
District Contacts
Normal First Contact: Building Principal
District Compliance Officer (HIB, Civil Rights & Title IX):
Rhonda Schmidt, Director of Student Supports
Phone: 509-925-8011