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Parent tells Ridgefield Park board of video showing student-on-student violence; board pledges follow-up
Summary
A parent presented a video alleging an assault in the Ridgefield Park junior–senior high cafeteria and asked about supervision and camera monitoring; board members responded that they are aware of student mental-health needs and offered to meet privately to follow up.
A Ridgefield Park parent, Nancy Serrano, addressed the board during public comment on March 19, 2025, saying she had received video footage of an 18-year-old senior punching a freshman in the high-school cafeteria and alleging insufficient staff intervention and lack of timely police follow-up.
Serrano said the recording showed bystanders filming rather than intervening and raised broader concerns about supervision, camera coverage in the cafeteria and the district’s response to prior incidents, including a reported gun-related school lockdown earlier this spring.
Board President Martinez and multiple trustees responded on the record, acknowledging the parent’s concerns and saying the board and administration take student safety seriously. Martinez thanked the parent for raising the issue, invited her to speak with administrators and board members after the meeting for follow-up, and said the board is aware of widespread student mental-health needs in the community.
What the transcript records and does not record: - The parent said she reported the incident to Ridgefield Park police; she asserted the department was initially reluctant to file a report until she pushed for documentation. The transcript records the parent’s statements but does not record independent confirmation from the police or administration during the meeting. - The board did not record a formal action or investigation result during the meeting; trustees offered to meet with the parent after the meeting and stated that the board is working with administrators to address student mental-health and safety concerns.
Why it matters: allegations of on-campus violence raise questions about supervision, student safety protocols, recording and reporting procedures and whether current supports and staffing sufficiently protect students. The parent stated she will circulate the video to outside agencies if unresolved.
Next steps: Board members invited the parent to meet with administrators after the meeting; no formal investigation outcome or disciplinary action is recorded in the meeting transcript.
