SEN. KOLKHORST URGES PUBLIC TO FOLLOW SCHOOL VIOLENCE COMMITTEE

  
State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst

A newly-formed state senate committee will continue its effort to address the issue of school violence.

According to State Senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham, the State Senate Select Committee on Violence in Schools & School Security will meet tomorrow in Austin.

The committee will hear testimony examining the root causes of mass murder in schools.  Specifically, risk factors which may increase security threats; strategies to identify and intercept high-risk students; and strategies to promote healthy school culture.  Kolkhorst says the committee will examine ways to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

Kolkhorst says the committee will also meet next week to examine whether current protective order laws are sufficient or whether the merits of Extreme Risk Protective Orders, or “Red Flag” laws, should be considered.

Kolkhorst expresses her thoughts on the proposal on her Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/LoisKolkhorst

Kolkhorst also encourages the public to follow the hearings on the State Senate’s official website at: https://senate.texas.gov/

 

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20 Comments

  1. Bullying is a major cause of farther violence. There has always been some bullying, but it usually was quickly answered by appropriate punishment. Wen a bully is ignored or tolerated because he/she falls under several ‘guideline’, the victim is basically told, “You are not worthy of being protected.” All too often, that victim decided he/she will not take this any longer and commits suicide, takes things into his/her own hands, or develops lifelong problems.

  2. Bullies and Burton: You are absolutely right!! And may I add that not all the bullies are other children. It makes it worse when the bully/abuser is an adult in charge of the students!! Ms. Kolkhorst, please look into the accusations in Burton. Burton needs some help!! Unfortunately the superintendent and board are not doing anything about the biggest bully/abuser in the school!!

    1. Funny – none of you spoke at the meeting Monday, and there was time to do so.

      The protest signs too – many were irrelevant to the issues concerning Burton and a few I go why aren’t you filing a UIL sports complaint?

      1. You obviously don’t know or chose, as others do, to ignore the issues Burton is having and has had for YEARS – ever thought that some complaints had previously been brought before the board?!? You’re always quick to denounce a problem!!

      2. Another perspective: Funny how no one was asked if they had anything to say, since there was time left!! Funny how a lot of people already spoke at a previous meeting!! Funny how the board has nothing to say about all the complaints presented at a previous meeting!! Funny how the bullying/abuse complaints are totally ignored by the board!! Funny how the board meets several times over a one word racial slur, yet have no meetings about the wrongs our children have to endure on a daily basis!! Funny how you could hear these complaints by students, parents, teachers, grandparents, and still have no empathy for what they have gone through!! I’m glad you think this is all funny!! Thank God for those of us trying to protect our children!! Nothing funny about that!!

        1. Burton too, um – they did offer it and no one was forthcoming. That’s on your head and others not speaking up, not them.

          Additionally, KWHI and the newspaper put in multiple times the open forum was 30 mins. and how to file to speak.

          So please, with all due respect, do not spin.

          They can only speak on what is in the agenda, and what was discussed last board either a. Already happened (censure of Felton Cox), B. We’re demands on the board itself (Cox himself resign/board start working harder), or C. Condemnation of people fighting over this both sides because of gossip (protesters/people there).

          Nothing needing a board discussion anymore.

          The complaints aren’t being ignored: in fact, they’re now even more accountable if ignored thanks to the 85th legislature.

          From talking to people, there’s more to it regarding that slur and Pending Attorney matters was on the board agenda multiple times. They have to be vague there but given the time they’ve spent on it in executive session (8+ hours and counting they’ve been in past 3 meetings)… I doubt it was all spent in F. Cox.

          As I’ve said from my OWN experience going through this – accusations must be carefully viewed to ensure accuracy and that they’re not wrongful or vengeful accusations (I.e. revenge for them not playing many games in sports).

          Being wrongfully accused and punished is just as bad as bullied. It sticks with you for years/decades, even if vindicated.

          Oh and the funny is sarcasm, not humor: I am amazed at how you and others preach for tolerance and stopping bullying, but have attacked those who give other views or speak in support of their alma mater. That can be read as verbal bullying.

          As I said – if for example the concussion protocol thing is being ignored: file a complaint with UIL sports. You’ll definitely get faster results.

          1. Gossip, huh? I wouldn’t call it that. You’ve got scores of kids and their families coming forward and speaking of how the governing body has mishandled complaints and grievances–how they were stonewalled.

            Sometimes, it takes those “pesky outsiders” to come in and protest when they see injustices. Don’t fool yourself. These aren’t some schmucks who are looking to create division and/or more problems. They are experienced in education at level much higher than lil old Burton. They know protocol and right from wrong.

            Don’t expect them to go anywhere.

          2. Mr. Green,

            As I’ve said before, I’ve actually been FIRED because of gossip that was wrong.

            Again – Wrong! False! A flat out lie!

            I was vindicated but the damage was done. I had to move from a town I LIVED living in because of it. (And no, I wasn’t from Burton).

            The accusers (liars) got away with it too. No punishment, at least there.

            So yeah – I question gossip as should you, and again I’d say if it’s that bad, why haven’t you filed a UIL complaint on the AD for example?

            And very interesting the part of “experienced in education at a much higher level than Burton.”

            Care to explain that please? Very peculiar comment, as though it isn’t entirely the students you’re worried about.

            Oh and FYI / fromwhst ive seen the board is following protocol. You can always file a school board complaint with the state if you disagree.

            I deal with truth, question gossip and rumor. What I e heard and read, there’s more gossip going on.

            When actual hard truth comes out, be it Board or higher ups, I’ll will respond accordingly.

            Real food for thought.

          3. Another perspective: Funny that a grown person can get so irate at perceived sarcasm, label it bullying, and try to lecture people on how to act!! If you feel this enraged over one comment, how do you think the children feel on a daily basis? Children that can not defend themselves? That’s what this is about!! THE CHILDREN!! Maybe you can ignore or defend 1 accusation, or maybe 5 accusations, but 20-30 accusations? I do believe that warrants a strict and thorough investigation!! And apparently you know more about these situations than you’re willing to admit. What is this concussion incident you are talking about? To my knowledge, that information has not been released to the public as of yet. But, that’s not surprising!! Cover ups have been happening for years!! That’s how we’ve gotten to the state the school is in now!! Unpunished behavior just gets worse as time goes on. You just keep defending your agenda. I’ll defend the children!!

          4. Mr. Green, like another perspective I’ve been to meetings.

            It’s been one person and family I can count bringing up a complaint – not scores. A score is 20 people, and maybe there’s been a score, not more.

            I think those *pesky outsiders* too may be trying to get the school shutdown. Why? – it won’t save tax dollars.

            And don’t fool yourself sir – they ARE creating division and problems, and the last part of that paragraph is disturbing – makes me think it’s an agenda to have Burton close, especially reading earlier posts on the issue.

            I don’t expect them to go anywhere soon, but I do think if they have a problem they address it to the board or find the right agencies… and show signs that show they know WHAT issues are going on. They aren’t – and it’s disturbing.

          5. Burton too, a few points to make you pause.

            Starters, regarding the first few sentences, I encourage you to reread your post here. You have become the very definition of what you accuse me of – but double down.

            Secondly, I’ve attended the meetings as a curious bystander. I’ve counted accusations in the past public forum meetings since the protests/complaints began.

            It’s been less than 20 – I can go only by board meetings.

            You write: “ Ido believe that warrants a strict and thorough investigation!!”

            So do I Burton too – the PROBLEM is people here have deemed Dr. Kennedy guilty before innocent. Get it? – THAT is my issue,and admittedly I’ve experienced it.

            *******

            Regarding my (paraphrased) “knowledge of.. this concussion incident you are talking about? To my knowledge, that information has not been released to the public as of yet.”

            *sigh*

            Burton too…

            THAT was on one of the posters in the most recent board meeting.

            We all could read it.

            Again – on the PROTESTER boards, where anyone can read it.

            It became public knowledge then – so that is on yours and the protesters’ head’s.

            Probably why one speaker said “enough gossip.”

            Now – The rest of it is your opinion but NOT fact as to why I speak another view.

            I defend EVERYONE – children, and people who SHOULD be innocent until proven guilty.

            If proven otherwise, I’ll apologize to you and others for being wrong.

            Until then, I will take accusations with a grain of salt because I’ve been wrongly accused before in another town.

            I was vindicated but damage was done and the accusers got away with it.

            After that, I vowed to ensure all treated innocent until proven guilty – both sides.

            So now, I ask you Burton too: what is your agenda… all of it?

          6. I’ll just say this to Another Perspective and Respect for law: Pop the bubble you’re in and do some investigating. There’s been more than one complaint. Sure. Go ahead. Head over to the administration building and ask for the grievances that have been filed over the last months…years. I would hope they would give them to you. They are public record. One complaint is enough to warrant action, but when the numbers start adding up to over a few(maybe a score and ten), it’s beyond time to step up and take serious notice. No action has been taken.

            Respect, thank you for “schooling” me on the meaning of “score”. I know what it means and my apologies to the late Abraham Lincoln and his Gettysburg Address for its misuse. Or do I owe an apology? You may be surprised as all this builds…

            This has NOTHING to do with wanting to shut down Burton ISD. It has EVERYTHING to do with past incidents involving kids in that school district. Some of the stories are very sickening and based on the numbers accumulating, how can one question their truth??

            If you two have no idea who and what the incidents involve, perhaps you will. Stay tuned.

          7. Like Another perspective, I too have been to the meetings and have read the protest signs.

            One at the July 16 meeting clearly said “Follow Concussion Protocol.”

            So – it’s been put out in public and therefore open to anyone to read. Therefore too – it’s the protester’s own doing it’s out.

            Mr. Green, I don’t know where you’re getting 20-30 complaints. I only say this because if that were true the state would’ve gotten involved – as long as the state knew about them from the public. From my own experiences, even going to the University Interscholatic League and filing complaints helps, but so far I’ve not read hide nor hair of anyone trying that avenue. Also think the protesters would be far higher than the amount I’ve seen at the board meetings.

            My deeper concern is you and Burton Too’s comments toward myself and anyone who gives an iota of respect for the school district and board.

            It’s hateful and belittling – no better than what you denounce. Add to it the article I’ve read here some of the protesters followed Kennedy to the Education Forum … it reads that way too. No, I’m not perfect and I know my comments seem the same way, but they say you can draw a fly to honey and not vinegar – so why are you going to the vinegar route in your comments?

        2. Mr. Green and Burton too:

          First, I’m going to point out the concussion protocol claim was on protest payers at the last meeting where anyone could read them.

          So that relevation is on your head, not mine.

          Now I admit my comments can be harsh, but we need reality here:

          I’d like you to reread your posts to me again.

          Notice how hateful and belittling they sound?

          I’m sorry but you’re doing the same bullying to me and others you denounce Burton ISD for doing.

          You’re (proverbial) harassing Dr. Kennedy too by following her to anywhere she speaks.

          That too is bullying.

          I believe in FACTS, and being a long time resident I take your comments with a large grain of salt. And as there have been comments regarding thoughts to close the school on your side and/or start over – it IS a legitimate point.

          What you’re doing benefits no one and again you will lose sympathy because I’m sure folks are reading this and questioning more than you’d like them too.

  3. I agree that Bullying is a huge part of the problem. Kids need to feel they can not only tell someone in authority at school, but that something will be done about it. Often, schools fall short here and the bullying goes on.

    1. This comfort in authority figures is much needed. I’ve had two of my three children bullied by teachers in Brenham isd. Taking it to the principal effectively did no good. I was able to find out that in Brenham, if a teacher is disciplined, it goes on their record for one year. Then if the principal leaves, he/she takes those records with them. I found this out by going through the grievance process all the way to the school board. How about that for accountability? All three of my children have suffered at the hands of bullies, paid employees and students at Brenham isd. I will say Mr. Chandler at the high school and Mr. Hughes at BMS took the issues seriously and did their level best to correct the problem. However, the other issues, by other administrators (at BMS too) were minimized and were swept under the rug at Krause and the Junior High. I talk to my kids daily and help them. But their overall idea is that the authority figures that be, will not help them. The children of today are our future leaders of tomorrow. We want them to lead with empathy and understanding of the importance of everyone. Collectively, we are America. Let’s teach our children through real life experiences that feelings and personal choices are important. We can disagree with one thing, two things or many things, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat each other with dignity and respect. Our children need to be protected and when they are at school and out of our monitoring, we need to be able to trust that they are being taken care of. God bless BISD, Brenham, Texas, America and the whole world.

  4. More than fancy security systems, the most effective way to prevent school shootings is to stop bullying in the schools.
    The common theme is that a student has been bullied and the bully not disciplined.
    Then the student grabs a gun.

  5. Perfect timing! Mrs. Kolkhorst, Burton ISD needs your help. These kids need a safer environment. Please look into the board meetings the past few months- ask for the packets – we need action. We need to stop what’s going on before a child takes their life or those of others. We need to intercept high risk kids but more so the high risk staff. I am so proud of the students and parents that have come forward.

    1. Yes, we who are working on this in Burton are following the directions of law enforcement across the land: “See something, say something” We are going on the record for having seen, and now we are saying! Please get educated about what is happening in Burton.

    2. But Edna said at Monday’s meeting they have something in the works. I would love to know what that is or have given my ideas! I think clear backpacks should be mandatory on top of locked doors, metal detectors, staff carrying and a security guard or two.

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