On Thursday night, fifth-grader Delanie Marcotte smiled at her New Hampshire school board as she sat a table before them.
Delanie unfolded a piece of paper and began to read her statement.
Before the Timberlane Regional School Board Thursday night, Delanie tearfully asked what the members were doing to protect her from bullies.
“I have been threatened to get shot in the head by an AK-47 and buried in my back yard,” Delanie said. “I have been asked by the mother of my bully during a school field trip why I tried to get her son in trouble.”
After Delanie read her statement, she looked up at the school board, who thanked her for speaking.
One board member commented on her bravery, but offered no response.
WFXT reached the superintendent's office by phone, who said the superintendent had no comment. However, Dr. Earl F. Metzler later sent a statement to WFXT, saying, "Student voice is one of my goals posted on the web site for 17/18 and a powerful way for students to tell us what we need to hear."
"We have a process defined by the law and SB policy to follow," the statement continued. "I am monitoring the process and will participate when appropriate."
Delanie's father, Todd Marcotte, posted video of the school board meeting to his Facebook page, which has drawn support from all over the country.
Here is Delanie’s full statement:
"I'm here to talk about a problem that means a lot to me – bullying. Bullying is a problem in our school. I am a victim of it. My parents have contacted the school about it, but it continues. It happened to me and my classmates. I have been asked by the mother of my bully during a school field trip why I tried to get her son in trouble. I have been threatened to get shot in the head by an AK-47 and buried in my back yard and many other things. I ask you what are you going to do to protect me and my classmates against bullying. I am here to stand up for every kid that gets bullied."
The full meeting can be watched below. Delanie’s statement begins at 3:30.
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