ASHLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAROL DAVIS KEITH MASSIE EVA SKURATOWICZ JIM WESTRICK JOHN WILLIAMS JULI DI CHIRO Superintendent GREG LECUYER Business Manager SAMUEL BOGDANOVE Director of Student Services

Inspiring Learning for Life

January 10, 2013 PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Ashland Police Department notified the Ashland School District today that they are charging three Ashland High School students with a Class C felony of coercion over an incident that occurred at a football camp at Linfield College in June of 2012. Although the District cannot comment on the details of this incident, we would like to state the following: 1. It is against District policy for any type of hazing to occur at any time at school or a school-sponsored event. Our athletic department has worked diligently to establish a culture of respect and integrity among our student athletes. The culture is reinforced in all of our interactions with students and their families. We believe that this is an isolated incident, and in no way reflects the prevailing culture of our football program. 2. The health and safety of our students is of utmost importance to us. As soon as this incident was reported, staff conducted an investigation and filed a report with DHS. This was in line with district policy and procedure. 3. When the Ashland Police Department reviewed our report, they determined that a full investigation was warranted. The District has cooperated fully with this investigation. Upon the request of the APD, we suspended our own internal investigation so that we would not interfere with the police departments work. The Ashland School District remains committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all of students. Hazing and harassment are serious issues, and we will continue to work diligently to make sure that all of our schools have a safe and productive learning environment.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 482-2185

885 SISKIYOU BOULEVARD

ASHLAND, OREGON 97520

541-482-2811

FAX 541-

Questions about this matter can be directed to Juli Di Chiro, Superintendent or Michelle Zundel, AHS Principal.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 482-2185

885 SISKIYOU BOULEVARD

ASHLAND, OREGON 97520

541-482-2811

FAX 541-