Protesters make voices heard at Maysville School Board meeting

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Maysville School Board meeting was flooded with protesters Thursday evening.

The family of Coby Bleakney, the 12-year-old boy whose life was lost to suicide on March 22, was among those protesting the school board for lack of action when it comes to bullying.

“They stand there in the board meeting and state that there is no bullying going on at all, well go to the grave in Fultonham of my nephew, look at his grave and say there is no bullying going on,” said Lori Burns, Coby Bleakney’s aunt.

Protesters demanded for the bullying to stop in the schools, and believe teachers and administrators should be doing more to acknowledge the problem.

A problem one concerned parent said is not just here in Zanesville, but spans across the country.

“This isn’t a local issue, this isn’t a state issue, it’s a national issue,” said Tammy Nutter whose children attend Maysville Schools. “Bullying and suicide is affecting school systems all across the country and we just hope that the State of Ohio can be on the front lines of making some good change.”

Nutter runs a Facebook group called “Maysville Families for Change,” where members are working to create legislation to address school bullying.

Maysville School Board members denied comment after the meeting.