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Bound Brook board cites drop in HIB reports after SEL, staffing and reporting changes
Summary
The Bound Brook Board of Education heard a report showing reported HIB incidents fell from 80 in 2023–24 to 57 in 2024–25; administrators credited expanded counseling, staff training and revised reporting/investigation protocols and outlined mentoring for students with repeated incidents.
The Bound Brook Board of Education on June 25 was presented with the district’s harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) report for 2023–24 and an early look at 2024–25 figures, which showed a decline in reported incidents from 80 to 57.
The presentation, given to the board by an administrator, credited several changes for the reduction: year‑long HIB policy training for specialists, targeted state‑supported professional development, the addition of two guidance specialists at the high school, revised investigation protocols that separate counselors from investigations when students are on their caseloads, and weekly superintendent reporting that keeps the board updated on trends.
“Together we thrive,” the presenter said, describing the district’s social‑emotional learning (SEL) emphasis and the work to teach students how “the power of words can impact themselves and other people.” The presenter added that the district is focusing on analyzing founded cases to determine what consistent supports are needed.
Board members asked whether state oversight emphasizes reported incidents or founded findings. The presenter said reporting is self‑reported at the district level—parents, teachers, students or administrators may initiate reports—and the district has prioritized better teacher reporting practices so incidents are recorded and triaged appropriately. The presenter acknowledged that some fluctuations reflect improved reporting accuracy rather than a literal change in student conduct.
Administrators told the board three students had three or more HIB incidents this year, which triggers a required action plan; the district has scheduled mentoring and targeted supports starting in September for those students, including pairing older high‑school students as mentors. The presenter also said the main continuing concern is for fifth‑ and sixth‑grade students, who are encountering social media and early adolescent dynamics.
The board did not take formal policy action on the presentation but discussed next steps including cross‑referencing discipline records with HIB reports to refine interventions and continuing to monitor the weekly superintendent HIB report.
What happens next: the district will follow the planned mentoring and action plans for repeat cases and continue to provide weekly HIB updates to the board.
