Branstad to visit schools, discuss bullying with officials

DES MOINES - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad will visit three schools this fall to talk with local officials about what they are doing to prevent bullying in schools and what the state can do to help.

Branstad will be joined by his wife, Chris, and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds in a visit Sept. 24 to Sioux City West High School, Oct. 6 to North-Linn Junior/Senior High School in Troy Mills and Oct. 7 in Marshalltown.

The events are open to the public and will include a panel discussion with students and educators with questions from the public if time allows, the governor's office said.

'All students deserve to feel safe and respected at school,” Branstad said in a statement. 'Many schools and their communities have started anti-bullying campaigns. We want to learn more about what they are doing, and to hear from educators, students, parents, business leaders and others how they think they state could better support their efforts to reduce bullying in schools.”

The Iowa Legislature failed in 2014 to pass anti-bullying legislation despite measures introduced by Branstad and both chambers. Disagreements among legislators arose over parental notification of bullying incidents and the creation of an anti-bullying state office.

Branstad said addressing bullying is a priority of his administration, which held bullying summits each of the past two years. Branstad's spokesman said a third bullying summit is unlikely this year, although the administration may pursue one in 2015 if Branstad is re-elected.

More than half of sixth-, eighth- and 11th-graders reported being bullied at school within the previous 30 days, a 2012 Iowa Youth Survey said.

Reynolds said online bullying will be of 'particular concern” to the administration.

'We can protect free speech and keep students safe at the same time,” Reynolds said in a statement. 'We have an obligation to make sure schools have the authority they need to look out for a student who is being tormented on social media.”

Tour schedule

The stops for Gov. Terry Branstad's bullying prevention tour:

' Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Sioux City West High School media center.

' Monday, Oct. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m., North-Linn Junior/Senior High School gymnasium, Troy Mills.

' Tuesday, Oct. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Marshalltown Orpheum Theater.