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District presents SSDS safety report showing HIB investigations, training efforts
Summary
District staff presented the Student Safety Data System submission for Sept.–Dec. reporting period: a mix of HIB investigations across buildings, a small number of out-of-school suspensions, and ongoing staff training; administration answered board questions about state comparisons and next steps.
At the January meeting the Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Education received a Student Safety Data System (SSDS) report for reporting period 1 (Sept. 1–Dec. 31) from Jackie Chroino, the district’s director of personnel planning and evaluation.
Chroino described the SSDS as an online system the district uses to document incidents reportable under state rules — including harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) investigations, out-of-school suspensions, and related trainings and programs the district provides. She said the submission includes HIB findings that are recorded whether founded or unfounded, and summarizes local counts by school.
Key figures presented: Chroino reported that one elementary building had four HIB investigations (three unfounded, one confirmed) and three out-of-school suspensions; another building had five HIB investigations (two unfounded, three confirmed) and two out-of-school suspensions; the early childhood center had zero investigations, no violence/vandalism incidents, and no suspensions. Chroino also listed district trainings documented in the report, including HIB/code-of-conduct training for staff and substitutes, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) de-escalation training, anti-bullying specialist activities, behavior-expectation assemblies and other climate programs.
Board members asked how the district’s HIB counts compare with state averages. Chroino said districts are not provided statewide comparative numbers directly, but she compared the current local counts to last year’s local submissions and noted seasonal trends — for example, January and spring break periods often show fluctuations. She said the district plans reminders to staff and assemblies to reinforce expectations and monitor trends.
Why it matters: The SSDS submission is the district’s record of reportable safety-related incidents and required trainings. The counts and follow-up activities inform administrators and the board about student safety, disciplinary patterns and staff training needs.
What happens next: The director said the district will submit the second reporting period in the spring and will continue trainings and monitoring; board members may follow up with requests for additional context or data at future work sessions.
Quote: "The Student Safety Data System is an online program that is utilized to document incidents of violence, suspensions, HIB investigations — whether they are founded or unfounded — and programs and trainings that the district implements," Chroino said during her presentation.
Speakers quoted or relied on in this article include Jackie Chroino and board members who questioned SSDS comparisons and trends.
