By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
An incident that occurred in September was again a topic for public comments at Monday's USD 431 Hoisington Board of Education meeting. Wayne Stout reported to the board in October that his granddaughter was the victim of a breach of privacy inside the Hoisington Middle School locker room. Monday he again expressed concerns about the enforcement of policy in the district.
"I have to brag about one of your coaches," Stout said. "They stepped up and made it clear: you bring a cell into our locker room, you're dismissed from activities. You're done, pack 'em up. That's enforcement. Those kids know they will not take a cellphone in a locker room."
According to Stout, photos were taken of the student in the locker room on Sept. 13, and posted online on Sept. 16. Stout told the board the student who took the photo received two days of in-school suspension, was not suspended from activities, and continued to play volleyball.
Stout expressed further concern about the matter not being reported to the police. Hoisington Middle School Principal Bob Brungardt said the matter had been reported to the police.
"Why is there a report of a crime to the Hoisington Police Department and the person the crime was committed against, my granddaughter, how come there was no investigation?" Stout asked. "How come we weren't notified? Did they do the investigation?"
Superintendent Patrick Crowdis answered that the school district could only report the crime. Board President Becky Mooney thanked Stout for his comments, and said the district's top priority is always the safety of students.
"And please know, that of the board, we are taking this seriously, and we are working on the steps we hope will continue to be a better environment for our students," she said. "They're our first priority, and their safety and security is a top priority, so we will continue to do our due diligence."