Board counsel gives school ethics and Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights briefing; officials reminded of conflicts rules and HIB process

Frances Febres, the board's counsel, presented an abridged annual training on the New Jersey School Ethics Act and the state's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, emphasizing conflict-of-interest rules, limits on board member conduct, and the steps for HIB (harassment, intimidation, bullying) investigations and hearings.

Febres told the board that the School Ethics Act "is governed and overseen by the School Ethics Commission" and serves as a code to guide board conduct. She reminded members that board responsibilities are policy-making and oversight, and that delegation places day-to-day administration with district staff. Febres listed common prohibited acts, including participating in votes or negotiations that could confer direct or perceived benefit to a board member, using district resources for personal gain, soliciting or accepting substantial gifts or endorsements without consideration of public perception, and serving in roles that create conflicts with board duties.

On student privacy and public-records constraints Febres referenced federal student privacy protections, explaining district personnel must avoid discussing identifiable student or personnel information in public. On bullying law she summarized the HIB elements: the conduct must be written, verbal, digital or physical and "reasonably perceived as being motivated by an actual perceived characteristic"; it must cause a substantial disruption or have an effect a reasonable student would find harmful; and all elements must be met for the HIB designation to apply. Febres explained the timeline and process: the district has 10 school days to complete an initial investigation (with extensions where appropriate), the anti-bullying specialist and principal review findings, the superintendent reviews and reports to the board, and parents may request a hearing before the board within 60 days of notification. The board vote on appeals uses confidential identifiers to protect student privacy.

Febres also urged board members to consult the superintendent, school business administrator, or counsel when unsure about conflicts, records disclosure, or public statements. She emphasized that board members should not conduct independent investigations of complaints and that complaints should be referred to administration.