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School district reports 52 HIB investigations, majority founded; appearance (fat‑shaming) most cited
Summary
District anti‑bullying coordinator reported 52 investigations for July–Dec 2025 with 35 founded; appearance (primarily fat‑shaming) was the largest distinguishing characteristic. The board accepted the semi‑annual report after discussion about data, restorative practices and parent outreach.
Dr. Jessica Smedley, the district’s anti‑bullying coordinator, told the West Windsor‑Plainsboro Regional School District Board of Education that the district opened 52 HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) investigations for July–Dec. 2025 and found 35 to be founded.
Smedley said the district used a new preliminary‑determination step added in 2024 to give principals discretion to screen reports before a full HIB investigation. "We now are using preliminary determination," she said, and credited the change with producing fewer inconclusive cases in this reporting period.
The report showed K–5 had the largest share of founded incidents (24), grades 6–8 had 22 and grades 9–12 had six. By location, Smedley said 42.3% of founded incidents occurred in classrooms;…
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