Stanhope posts near-perfect anti-bullying score; superintendent outlines safety, construction and summer programs

Superintendent Steven Hagemann told the Stanhope Board of Education on July 17 that the district received a 77 out of 78 on its School Self Assessment under the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act for the 2023–24 school year. The board also noted a Department of Education QSAC placement letter indicating Stanhope passed all QSAC areas; Stanhope is one of two districts in the county to pass all areas.

Hagemann said the district has purchased the Hibster program to streamline and allow anonymous reporting of harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB). The program will track HIB incidents, align with the district Code of Conduct and district policies, and will be paired with a school climate survey to be rolled out as implementation progresses.

Construction and operations: Hagemann provided a facilities update saying univents have been installed and gas lines are complete; remaining work includes duct work for the univents, cabinetry on either side of the systems, and next steps for an underground storage tank are being researched. He also reported on the success of summer programs and reminded the community of upcoming events: Preschool Orientation on Aug. 22 and an Ice Cream Social on Aug. 29. The board set an earlier start time of 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 28 to conduct ethics training and board goal-setting before the regular meeting.

Context: The QSAC letter and strong anti-bullying self-assessment score indicate the district met state accountability measures in several areas, a point the board highlighted during Superintendent remarks.