WCCO reports Maplewood Middle School now has 30 students on 'bully patrol.' Under the program, bullying is addressed not only by teachers but students. Three other schools in the district are also using the anti-bullying program.

The governor says all students and parents should have the confidence that their schools are 'free of harm.' The task force will be made up of 15 members who will study current best practices and policies to prevent and punish bullying.

The district's task force also has no students or school counselors. Instead, the Pioneer Press reports, the group has a prevention specialist, three public relations experts and a lawyer. The district has come under fire after a rash of student suicides that some blame on bullying. Critics say the district's policies do nothing to protect students from harassment.

The settlement applies to two lawsuits that claimed the school district failed to protect students from bullying that was based on sexual orientation. The students will receive $270,000 total. The one board member who voted against the settlement resigned after it was approved, saying it sets a bad precedent.

The timing of Friday's opening of the documentary "Bully" in Rochester couldn't have been more poignant. Parents and authorities said that harassment and bullying were likely factors in the suicides of two local teenagers in the past two weeks.

An agenda for the school board's work session Monday night includes time to address a "consent decree" following a closed session with the district's attorney. Six former and current students claim the district failed to address their complaints of being bullied because of their sexual orientation.

Students, teachers and staff at Anoka-Hennepin say a new anti-bullying policy appears to be making strides. The school district is scrutinized and facing lawsuits after a series of student suicides--some of which are tied to bullying. The Star Tribune reports there are fewer incidents so far this year. But some teachers especially remain concerned about the district’s neutral stance on discussion sexual orientation.

Gov. Mark Dayton appointed the 15 member task force to help ensure "a healthy and nurturing school environment exists for every child in our state." The Governor says all students and parents "should have confidence that their schools are safe places for learning."