District reports 12 HIB investigations, three affirmed HIB findings in fall reporting period

The New Providence School District held a public hearing on its Student Safety Data System for reporting period 1 (Sept. 1–Dec. 31, 2024). The district reported 12 HIB investigations during that window and described the nature of incidents, the investigators involved and the follow-up supports.

District staff member presenting the summary said there were “12 HIB investigations district wide,” and that investigations were completed within 10 days as required by law. The presenter summarized other incident counts during the period: three affirmed incidents of HIB, zero weapon possessions, two incidents categorized as violence (fighting), one vandalism incident (damage to property) and three confirmed substance-use incidents.

The district named its anti-bullying specialists and investigators who handled the cases: Mr. Chrysotello at the high school, Ms. Wittenberg at the middle school, Ms. Kwiatkowski at Salt Brook and Ms. Allen at Roberts. In response to affirmed investigations, the district reported using disciplinary measures that included detentions, in‑school suspensions and out‑of‑school suspensions, paired with supports such as student‑parent conferences, individual counseling and conflict-resolution sessions.

The presenter also listed trainings and programs entered into the student-safety reporting system for the period. He said 41 trainings were conducted districtwide for staff and students (topics included HIB law and policy, social media and cyberbullying, and belonging/community work) and that 50 programs were implemented across the schools during the reporting period.

No action was taken during the public hearing; the board closed the hearing at the end of the presentation.