LOWELLVILLE — Bullying was on the minds of several parents who attended the board of education meeting Wednesday.

Amy Pinkle said most issues are from “repeat offenders,” noting “the bullies don’t seem to face any consequences.”

She noted the need for higher standards for how students speak to each other at school. Pinkle said that when her son tried to defend himself against a bully, he was given detention.

Paulette Collet, another parent, stated she now tells her children to defend themselves against bullies, but she used to tell them to ignore or walk away.

Sarah Page said she had to hospitalize her child after a bullying episode. She also said she is telling her children to “fight back.” She said she has brought the issue up with the principals, but “nothing changed. I will bring in the police. I will do what is needed to bring these bullies down.”

All three residents noted there is a climate of retribution with the bullies and attempts to report on them made matters worse for the victims. The board thanked the community members for their comments. Superintendent Christine Sawicki had no comment on the bullying issue when contacted after the meeting.

In other business, Principal Jeff Hammond updated the board on attendance hearings in collaboration with the Mahoning County Juvenile Court’s Early Warning System on Nov. 7. The hearings were conducted by Juvenile Court Magistrate Gina DeGenova regarding four students to address ongoing attendance concerns.

DeGenova outlined possible consequences for continued unexcused absences, which can include community service, reassignment to Mahoning County High School or other court-ordered actions. The possibility of fines for parents was discussed if attendance does not improve. The students’ attendance and progress will be monitored by the court with follow-up hearings scheduled as needed.

The board also:

● Accepted a $1,000 donation by The Will McCaughtry Foundation for an art therapy program.

● Accepted 24 boys basketball uniforms for the varsity and JV program, valued at $3,936, by an anonymous donor.

● Approved athletic supplemental appointments for Michelle Cavna, girls eighth-grade basketball at $3,317.76, and Ron Rotunno, girls basketball program volunteer.

● Accepted the retirement of Julie DiLoreto, fifth- and sixth-grade science teacher.

● Rescinded supplemental JV girls basketball contract with Ron Rotunno because of not having enough students for a team.

● Recognized students that demonstrated the school’s core values: Eliana Gordon, kindergarten; Seth Kaliney, 1st grade; Enzley Shuluga and Brooklyn Simpson, 2nd grade; Ra’Leah Heard and Gianni Perrett, 3rd grade; Michael Palumbo, 4th grade; Kaden Rounds, 5th grade; Ainsley Kalitich, 6th grade; Yetzael Andino, 7th grade; Abel Zimmerman, 8th grade; and Lilith Sarraino, 12th grade.