District security director reviews semiannual violence, vandalism and HIB data

John Podjoski, the district’s director of school security, presented the semiannual report covering violence, vandalism, weapons, substance incidents and harassment, intimidation and bullying for the Sept.–Dec. 2025 reporting period.

Podjoski described the district’s multi‑year incident tracking and why the district collects those data: to inform prevention, partner with school resource officers, and train administrators. He showed comparative slides for elementary and secondary schools, explained the classification of incidents (including what the district counts as a weapon), and summarized actions taken in response — from police complaints to in‑school or out‑of‑school suspension and remedial measures.

On HIB specifically, Podjoski presented totals of investigated complaints and the subset found to be ‘founded’ for the report period, outlined common motivations and locations cited in investigations, and reviewed the district’s HIB reporting channels (a Form 338, phone, in‑person and an online link) and policy references (district policy 55‑12). He said the district will continue anti‑bullying training, maintain threat‑assessment teams, and work with parents and the Jackson Police Department on prevention.

Board members thanked Podjoski for the comprehensive review and had the opportunity to ask clarifying questions about classifications and trends. The report concluded with a reminder that HIB investigations follow district policy and that the district is pursuing training and community education to reduce incidents.