Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Year in review: New James Bickley open to students

Staff writer

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Two things come quickly to mind when remembering 2015 for Clovis Municipal Schools: allegations of bullying and James Bickley’s new digs.

“The new James Bickley Elementary School, what a phenomenal place,” Superintendent Jody Balch said about the $16 million school that opened in August.

“It’s like anything else — if something is nice, people take care of it. It may equate to when kids dress up for picture day; it seems to be a better day of school because they kind of dress the part.”

School bullying has also been a hot topic in Clovis schools, especially in recent weeks after the father of a 12-year-old boy said his son attempted suicide because of bullying at CMS.

The child is recovering and officials continue to investigate the allegations. If nothing else, the incident led to a series of community meetings on the topic including one hosted by the school on Dec. 10.

Balch said he’s glad the meeting happened.

“I think it’s important, because we need to be transparent,” Balch said. “I think we need to let our community know we take it seriously, and that we have a plan in place to deal with bullying ... I hope we dispelled some rumors about things we do or don’t do.”

 
 
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