Mahwah parents urge board to act after repeated recess aggression at Lenape Elementary
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Summary
Parents told the Mahwah Board of Education that repeated physical aggression and abusive language at Lenape Elementary—especially during recess—has gone insufficiently addressed; district leaders said incidents received consequences, described ongoing supervision and counseling steps, and promised follow-up.
Parents of Lenape Elementary students told the Mahwah Township Public School District Board of Education during public comment that repeated physical aggression and abusive language among young children—often occurring at recess—has created an unsafe environment for their children and requires concrete steps from the district.
"No child should feel unsafe at school," said Stephanie Lettigar, identifying herself and two other parents, and described multiple incidents in which children were physically harmed and supervision or camera review was limited. She asked the board to increase adult supervision at recess, ensure cameras cover high‑risk areas and are reviewed when incidents are reported, and require consistent documented intervention plans for students who repeatedly engage in violent behavior.
Superintendent Dr. Detoro responded that the district takes such behavior "very seriously" and emphasized a policy of "zero tolerance" for physical aggression and inappropriate language. He said the incidents raised to the board were not handled solely by a worksheet or a single minimal response and that consequences and remedial measures—paired with guidance counselors and parent involvement—have been used. He added that staffing, clear supervision zones and ongoing monitoring are priorities and that the district is committed to addressing recurring behavior rather than treating isolated weeks as resolved.
Parents said the behavior has persisted since kindergarten for some children and that the district's current responses did not feel adequate. A resident asked later whether false or retaliatory HIB (harassment, intimidation, bullying) reports by adults are treated differently; administrators said HIB law applies to student behavior and that allegations involving adults would require consultation with the district’s legal counsel and additional steps.
The board did not vote on a policy change at the meeting. Administration said it will follow up with parents, review supervision and camera coverage, and consult legal counsel where appropriate. The board later noted that community forum meetings (roadshows) are planned in December and staff indicated they would update the public as they investigate and respond to these concerns.