Bergman asks board to consider implementing athletic dept. policies for students’ protection
NAHUNTA — A concerned mother addressed the Brantley County Board of Education members about the high school volleyball program and athletics in general during the June monthly meeting.
Jennifer Bergman didn’t make any demands, she just asked the board to considering implementing policies to protect students and families.
Her daughter, Kaitlin Bergman, is a senior this year. She played three years on the Lady Herons’ volleyball team. She will not be a fouryear member after being the lone senior of eight cut following spring tryouts.
“I’m here because I’m a concerned mom,” said Mrs. Bergman addressing the board members. “I’m not asking you to put my daughter back on the team. We wouldn’t want her on a team that doesn’t want her and has done this to her.”
Mrs. Bergman believes her daughter was the victim of retaliation and has suffered some emotional harm because of it.
“Tonight is not simply about her not making the volleyball team this year,” she continued. “I’m here because I don’t want this to happen to any other student. It’s about fairness, accountability, transparency and whether students and parents can safely speak up about concerns without fears of consequences.
“Kate is not a disciplinary problem nor a struggling student. She’s exactly the kind of student that every school district should be proud to have. Kate maintains a 100.25 GPA.”
Kate Bergman has played volleyball since she was eight years old, according to her mother. She competed in club volleyball at a state level before the family moved to Brantley County prior to her freshman year.
Jennifer Bergman addresses members of the Board of Education during Monday’s monthly meeting. Photo By RICK HEAD
“Last year I spoke out regarding what I, and some other families, believed was abusive and intimidating treatment of female student athletes on the volleyball program,” said Mrs. Bergman. “Multiple girls were afraid to speak up because they believed they would lose their playing time or even their place on the team. I have the messages to prove those fears.
“As a parent, I did what I believe any parent should do ... I advocated for my child and for the other children. This year my daughter was the only senior cut from the volleyball program. Eight seniors tried out for volleyball this year, one senior didn’t make it, seven did.”
Mrs. Bergman stated she understands coaches get to make roster decisions, and not everyone gets playing time, but she can’t ignore the timing, the history, and the circumstances surrounding this decision.
She added her daughter has suffered anxiety, humiliation, loss of confidence, and fear about what retaliation she may continue to face during her senior year because her parents chose to speak up for her.
“No child should have to carry that burden,” said Mrs. Bergman. “No family should have to wonder if advocating for their daughter put a target on her back. How many students have been emotionally devastated without anyone ever asking whether the process was fair or if the outcome was influenced by bias, fears or retaliation?
“My daughter’s situation is not an isolated disappointment to our family, it’s a part of a larger concern about whether our students can expect fairness, transparency and protection when they walk through the schools.”
Mrs. Bergman asked the board to consider implementing policies that protect students and families, such as a written anti-retaliation policy for students and parents who report concerns. Also, a formal athletic grievance and appeals process.
Additionally, she suggested clear, transparent tryout procedures with multiple evaluators. Documentation standards ensuring athletes are evaluated equally, and an administrative review when a senior athlete with years of participation is going to be removed from a program prior to that decision being made final.
“Other school districts do recognize the importance of transparency and objective evaluations and protections against retaliation in the state,” said Mrs. Bergman. “Brantley County should do the same. I hope that by standing here tonight, another parent will not have to watch their child go through this, and I hope another student won’t be afraid to speak up.
“I hope this board will choose to strengthen the policies that protect children rather than defend the decision that hurt them.”
