At a board meeting, Joliet Township High School District 204 administrators presented the district’s annual harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) review, describing prevention, response and data‑collection changes made during the previous school year.

Assistant principals Mr. Seevlak and Dr. Brett Markham presented the review and told the board the district has emphasized clearer categorization and response procedures. “Investigations are completed within 10 school days and victims are provided with resources,” Seevlak said, describing the district’s timelines and supports. He added that parents are notified “within 24 hours in regards to a school day” after a formal complaint is received.

Key points administrators presented:
- Prevention: policy posting on the district website, safety week, athletics meetings, coaches meetings and new‑teacher orientation were listed as recurring prevention and awareness activities.
- Response: formal complaints are investigated, alleged victims and alleged aggressors are identified, parents are notified within 24 hours of a school day, and investigations target completion within 10 school days. Counselors and social workers follow up with both alleged victims and alleged aggressors five to seven school days after incidents to “let cooler heads prevail,” Seevlak said.
- Data and classification: the district separated harassment, intimidation and bullying into distinct categories to better reflect severity and reporting needs; bullying was reported separately because it is “more severe or pervasive,” the presenters said.
- Locations and bases: administrators said many verified bullying incidents occurred on social media and in unstructured school areas; in many cases the basis for bullying was recorded as “other/unspecified,” meaning persistent teasing or repeated aggression without an identified protected characteristic.

Administrators said they investigated 102 cases last school year and are updating their data collection procedures in coordination with district registrar and PPS staff. The leadership team reported expanded use of social workers and counselors to provide follow‑up support regardless of whether incidents were verified.

Why it matters: separating categories and tightening timelines is intended to improve accuracy of state reporting and ensure consistent supports for students. School staff told the board they will continue to work with the Illinois reporting process as state guidance evolves.

Ending: The presentation included additional data in an appendix that administrators said is available on request; board members asked no formal motion related to the report and administrators said they would continue to refine reporting and prevention work.