Schools

New Stringent Anti-Bullying Policy Goes Into Effect

New rules require tracking of reports by designated person at each school.

School openings this week mean New Jersey's toughest-in-the-nation anti-bullying laws are in effect, requiring schools to fully track reports of bullying and harassment reported by students.

The law, signed by Gov. Chris Christie in January, sets procedures for school districts and, as a letter to parents sent by the Warren Township School District on Wednesday notes, "requires training for all staff members, stiffens the penalties for students caught bullying, and mandates specific timelines and procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing incidents" of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

The board approved its revised policy to comply with the new law in July.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The required training for staff members came earlier this week, and the district has named the anti-bullying specialists at each school who will be required to document any reports of harassment or bullying. The specialists are:

  • ALT: Kelly B. Maire
  • Central: Patricia Pilat
  • Mt. Horeb: Dr. Kelly Stankiewicz
  • Woodland: Diane Langworthy
  • Middle school: Carol Brown

The letter said no additional funds were required to fulfill the new policy's requirements.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under the law, bullying can now be a single act, whereas the law previously defined bullying as a series of actions. Bullying is defined as actions that "substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students," and could reasonably be expected to cause physical or emotional harm to another student, or is insulting or demeaning or creates a hostiel environment.

Upon learning of a bullying incident, school staff must report it in writing to the principal within one day, with a full investigation to follow in the next 10 days. This includes incidents that occur off school grounds, such as cyber-bullying or charged text messages. Administrators who fail to take action after becoming aware of a problem are subject to discipline.

Also, school superintendents must report all of the incidents that occurred within the past six months in a public hearing, held twice a year. Those reports are provided to the state education department, which will include them in online "school report cards."

The district's policy outlines a series of escalatng steps in response to reports of bullying or harassment, culminating in expulsion.

Residents are invited to learn more about the policy at an information session planned for the Sept. 26 Board of Education meeting.

Editor's note: This week, we're looking at the beginning of the new school year through the changes in the schools and the districts.

Others stories in the series are:

A look at the state of teacher contract negotiations in township schools.

Watchung Hills Regional's freshmen orientation Wednesday.


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