Student’s mom asks Lake Central school board for bullying solutions

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Updated: December 5, 2011 9:53PM

ST. JOHN — Kahler Middle School parent Lisa Takacs pleaded with administrators to intervene in the persistent bullying of her two sons.

“School is supposed to be a safe learning environment, and it’s sad when a child is afraid to go to school,” Takacs said.

Takacs detailed how her older son, who is in 8th grade, has been slammed up against lockers multiple times and targeted because of physical issues, at the public comment section of Monday’s school board meeting.

She said she met with the school principal on multiple occasions and requested that teachers keep watch outside their classrooms during passing periods, but she was told that “there’s no bullying at Kahler.”

Takacs said the situation came to a head recently when her son fought back and was suspended along with another boy.

Also, the pattern is starting with her younger son — a 5th grader — who was slammed up against a locker by an older student.

“My concerns have fallen upon deaf ears,” she said.

Both school board member Don Bacso and Assistant Superintendent Al Gandolfi discussed the problems with Takacs after the meeting adjourned.

Last month, Lake Central School Corp. and several administrators were named in a civil lawsuit that claimed that the school district turned a blind eye while Lake Central High School junior David Haddad was bullied for more than a year due to his Middle Eastern background.

One student has been suspended and charged with misdemeanor battery in that case.

Lake Central officials denied the claims in Haddad’s complaint.

Bonds approved

In other meeting news, the board approved a $4 million bond anticipation note for construction projects at Protsman Elementary School and Lake Central High School. The note covers some planning costs for the $160 million construction project, which is set to break ground in summer 2012. Lake Central’s Director of Business Services Rob James said the note will be paid off when the district issues the first set of bonds next summer. A second set of bonds will likely be issued in 2013.

The board also authorized $11.8 million in tax anticipation warrants from the Hammond Bond Bank to cover gaps in seven funds until the district receives its tax checks next spring.