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District reports 17 HIB investigations midyear, administration outlines prevention steps
Summary
Principal Michael Hayes said the district opened 17 HIB investigations from Aug 2025–Jan 2026 (8 founded, 9 unfounded) and presented steps including expanded freshman programming, weekly HIB team meetings, substitute training, revised cell‑phone protocols and additional remediation resources.
Michael Hayes, principal of Delaware Valley Regional High School District, presented the district's midyear report on harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) covering the period from August 2025 through January 2026. "We had 17 total investigations, eight of which were founded and nine unfounded," Hayes told the board, adding that the number of reports has edged up as reporting channels have become more accessible.
Hayes and Kyle Finnis, the district's HIB coordinator, said some of the increase reflects greater reporting rather than a sustained rise in harmful behavior. "Part of that is seen as a success," Finnis said, explaining that improved awareness and clearer reporting processes can raise the count of reported incidents. The presenters noted more incidents now originate off campus and online, and that cyberbullying is a growing feature of reported cases.
The administration outlined current and planned responses: continuing and expanding freshman orientation and health‑class presentations, weekly HIB team meetings, targeted remediation or counseling for cases categorized as conflict rather than HIB, training for substitute teachers to recognize and follow HIB protocols, and updates to the district's cell‑phone policy in response to statewide guidance. Hayes said the district offers counseling to both alleged victims and alleged offenders and emphasized a focus on remediation and reintegration after investigations.
Board members pressed for more longitudinal data and clarity about which grade levels and student groups are most affected; Hayes said the administration will provide comparative year‑to‑date numbers for the board. The presentation also noted the district self‑assessment results showing the district meets or exceeds most state indicators but marked "partially meeting" for staff instruction and training programs, prompting follow‑up to identify evidence‑based programs that demonstrably improve school climate.
The board directed staff to continue the planned preventive and remediation steps and to provide additional disaggregated data and recommendations ahead of the next committee budget meeting.
