Cumberland school board adds to anti-bullying policy

Cumberland County Schools spokeswoman Patricia Hollingsworth said Thursday that the amendment to the student code of conduct encourages students and parents to report bullying incidents.

Under the policy, students who bully can be suspended on a first offense.

A second offense can lead to a longer suspension for elementary students and reassignment to an alternative school for middle and high school students.

Sarah Williams tells the Fayetteville Observer that she's glad to see the addition.

She says that her daughter was bullied and that nothing was done until she was beaten by three other girls. Williams says she is pressing charges against the girls.

Superintendent Frank Till Jr. says he can't talk about that case but hopes the addition to the policy will reduce bullying.