“Families Settle Bullying Lawsuits With Southeast Polk Schools.”

August 25, 2026 by Sheryl J. Moore

Many of you know about my son, AJ Betts, and the bullying that he faced from kids and teachers alike, while attending Southeast Polk Community School District’s high school.

I wanted to fight, but given that I found out I was pregnant two days after burying my son, I was tired. I was depressed. I couldn’t function.

The school district went on the defense, when I decided to raise a stink about their bullying problem. They hired a former school official, and asked them to conduct an investigation into the “claims” that AJ was bullied. It was a snow job- the “investigator” didn’t even speak with my son’s friends, who had witnessed the bullying

When I appeared on an NBC short film, “American Crime” and “The Doctors'” television shows- the professionals that I worked with asked the school district if they had anything to say about my son’s claims of bullying, and they replied to the effect that “they don’t have bullying at Southeast Polk High School.” Dr. Phil got MAD!

Thereafter, our community rallied against us. I had other children to raise, and didn’t want them in this toxic district. So, I sold my office building and we moved. AJ is still buried there.

A 12-year old girl killed herself a year or two after AJ completed suicide; she was bullied for being bisexual. The school district paid off her parents, so that she could be buried (they didn’t have life insurance). Interestingly, I never received any compensation for the bullying that my son received.

Well, someone is going to have to pay now.

The The Des Moines Register published a new article this week, “Families Settle Bullying Lawsuits With Southeast Polk Schools.” I am grateful for William Morris coverage.

I have no justice for what happened to AJ. However, I still feel some vindication.

Thanks for caring. <3 -sjm