Hillsborough board proclaims Red Ribbon Week and highlights school anti-bullying assessments

The Hillsborough Township Board of Education on Oct. 13 read a proclamation recognizing Oct. 20–24, 2025 as Red Ribbon Week and urged community participation in drug-prevention activities. The board president read the proclamation citing statewide youth overdose data and the National Family Partnership for Drug-Free Youth as a campaign sponsor.

The superintendent reported that each school completed the anti-bullying self-assessment required under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and said the results — described as "high scores" consistent with past years — will be posted on the district website for public review. "Each of my schools have to do a self assessment as to how they are doing related to anti-bullying measures and implementation," the superintendent said, adding that the work falls heavily on designated anti-bullying specialists.

The proclamation listed statistics the board said underscore the need for prevention, stating that New Jersey has one of the highest rates of fatal youth drug overdoses and citing survey figures for youth alcohol and marijuana use. The board encouraged residents, businesses, schools and community organizations to wear and display red ribbons during Red Ribbon Week to demonstrate a commitment to drug-free lifestyles.

Board members and staff noted that the district will continue to report annually on anti-bullying efforts and invited residents to consult the posted assessments for details on school-level practices and results. The board also acknowledged local partners participating in the campaign.