Members of the Governor's Task Force for the Prevention of Bullying are convening listening sessions across the state to hear from Minnesota students, educators and community members on the issue of bullying and school climate. On Thursday, April 26 listening sessions will be held in Rochester.

The Rochester listening sessions will be convened by Task Force members Vangie Castro, Phil Duran and Curt Carpenter. The first listening session will take place at Kellogg Middle School and will focus on student input. The second listening session will also be held at Kellogg Middle School and will offer parents, educators and community members an opportunity to weigh in.

Created through executive order by Governor Dayton, the task force is comprised of 15 members charged with examining best practices and policies that currently exist to prevent bullying. The panel is further tasked with providing future recommendations to the Governor and the legislature on this subject. The listening sessions will provide the opportunity for stakeholders to provide information and insight to task force members that will inform the group's final recommendations to Governor Dayton and the legislature. Members of the task force include the Commissioners of the Department of Education, the Department of Human Rights and members of the legislature.

Governor Dayton also appointed additional members with experience or expertise in psychology, education, pediatrics and anti-bullying advocacy.

What: Governor's Task Force for the Prevention of Bullying Listening Sessions

Who: Task Force members Vangie Castro, Phil Duran and Curt Carpenter

When: Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. (Student listening session) and 6:00 p.m. (Parent, educator and community listening session)

Where: Kellogg Middle School, 503 17th Street North East, Rochester, MN 55906

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Department of Education Contact: Keith Hovis, 651.582.8275 or keith.hovis@state.mn.us