Behind the Centre Daily Times’ investigation into bullying at Park Forest Middle School

For the past two months, heartache and unanswered questions have defined life for many parents and students at Park Forest Middle School.

On May 12, State College Area School District Superintendent Curtis Johnson shared a heartbreaking email to district families about the death of 14-year-old Abby Smith, an eighth grade student at Park Forest.

In a follow-up communication the next day, he offered more devastating news: Abby, described by school principal Karen Wiser as a “kind, bright young woman who brightened the lives of those around her,” died by suicide.

As the State College community grieved and rallied around Abby’s family — hundreds of people signed up for a meal train and donated thousands of dollars — the school community also desperately searched for answers.

As the tragedy played out, we now know the school district was receiving an influx of reports of bullying at Park Forest Middle School. At the same time, a number of community members reached out to the Centre Daily Times with concerns about bullying and how it’s handled by teachers and administrators at the school.

Education reporter Keely Doll, a two-year CDT staffer, immediately launched into the story. Her interviews, reporting, writing and editing continued for six weeks. We know it won’t end soon.

Keely interviewed Abby Smith’s father, Jonathon, who is also longing for answers as the investigation into Abby’s death continues.

Four former and current Park Forest Middle School students and their parents were also interviewed. Two of them knew Abby — and each other — and a State High student who went to Park Forest did not know Abby or the other students who had been interviewed.

One student who knew Abby was granted anonymity in the story after she shared concerns about her privacy if her name appeared. It’s rare that we allow sources to share their stories without identifying them, but in this case, we felt the importance of hearing the experience outweighed our traditional approach to identifying sources.

The other students and their parents agreed to be identified.

In an hour-long interview with the State College Area School District, then-Director of Student Services Jeanne Knouse spoke about policies related to bullying, the district’s investigation process and mental health resources.

Knouse retired at the end of June. Her successor, Stephanie Beaver, also sat in on the interview.

Requests to interview the Park Forest principal or guidance counselor were not granted.

As is district policy, Knouse was unable to comment on specific situations involving students or information of other students’ disciplinary measures. The Centre Daily Times has not named students accused of bullying.

In addition to sharing their experiences at Park Forest Middle School, the students and parents interviewed for this story shared concerns about the reporting process for bullying, with some, including Jon Smith, saying the policies protect those accused of bullying.

“What about the kids who are getting bullied?” he asked.

It’s a vitally important question — one that this story examines closely.

We also know that these issues may not be unique to Park Forest Middle School, or the State College Area School District. We encourage others to reach out and share their experiences by emailing Keely Doll at kdoll@centredaily.com.