NATCHEZ — Procedures added to the Natchez-Adams School District’s bullying policy should sink some teeth into the fight against bullying behavior.

The school board adopted a bullying policy in July, but specific procedures were outlined and approved Thursday.

The policy defines bullying, establishes instructions for reporting the behavior and sets forth a chain of command for investigating complaints and determining disciplinary action.

NASD Assistant Superintendent Morris Stanton said the addition of the procedures is a response to criticism that the existing policy is too broad.

“We made policy without teeth,” Stanton said.

“Now (the district) has a pretty good procedure, and it needs the board’s adoption.”

The board unanimously voted to waive a 30-day approval waiting-period and adopted the procedures immediately.

The waiting period was waived at the advice of board attorney Bruce Kuehnle, who indicated to board members they could be liable for a bullying incident that occurs within the waiting period unless the board waives the 30 days.

According to the procedures, a bullying report should be made within five calendar days of the incident. Reports should be made to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school official.

When a report is made the following will occur:

Parents of any student involved in the complaint will be notified

A meeting with all concerned parties will be scheduled by a school district official within five days of the report

All parties will have opportunities to submit evidence and a list of witnesses

Findings of the report will be recorded in writing

Once an investigation is completed, the official conducting the investigation will notify the victim and parents once a disciplinary action is determined, as warranted.

Written appeals can be made to the superintendent within 10 days if a victim is not satisfied with the action taken by the school.

The superintendent will respond with a decision to an appeal within 10 days. Further appeals should be made to the school board within 10 days after the superintendent’s decision is delivered.

At that point, the board has 20 days to hear the victim’s reasons for appealing the superintendent’s decision, and the board will return a final decision to the victim within 10 days.

The original policy defines bullying as behavior which “places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm … or damage to his or her property, or creates … a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits.”

The policy’s definition of bullying also includes threats communicated electronically, via text message, for instance.

Stanton has said he hopes an awareness of the new bullying policy among students and parents will act as a deterrent for bullying behavior.