Filing a HIB Report as a Student or Family Member Here are the various methods available to you for reporting harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Written Response & Follow-Up 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.

Appeals Process for HIB Reports

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.

Related Policies, Resources, and Contacts

For more information, please refer to the following district policies and contacts.

Related District Policies & Procedures

3207/3207P – Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
3205/3205P – Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited
3210/3210P – Nondiscrimination
3211/3211P – Gender-Inclusive Schools

Additional Resources

District Contacts

Normal First Contact: Building Principal

District Compliance Officer (HIB, Civil Rights & Title IX):

Rhonda Schmidt, Director of Student Supports

rhonda.schmidt@esd401.org

Phone: 509-925-8011

Educational Technology

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