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Board hears annual student-safety (HIB) report: Valley View records three confirmed HIBs, Bayberry reports no confirmed HIBs
Summary
Administrators presented the annual student-safety report required by the state for 2023–24, noting Bayberry had no confirmed HIBs but two incidents requiring student removal, while Valley View had three confirmed HIBs and seven incidents that required removal.
The Watchung Borough School District presented its required student safety report for the 2023–24 school year on Thursday, reviewing incidents that must be reported to the state under the administrative code.
Superintendent Dr. Julie Glazer explained the report's categories — violence, vandalism, substance abuse, weapons and confirmed HIBs (harassment, intimidation and bullying) — and said the numbers differ because multiple offenses can be recorded for a single occurrence.
"At Bayberry there were no confirmed HIBs ... however there were two incidences that required students to be removed," Glazer said. "At Valley View there were three confirmed HIBs ... and seven incidences that required students being removed." She added that the district uses an online HIB self-assessment to review prevention and intervention practices and that the anti-bullying coordinator reports twice a year.
Denise Vickner, Bayberry principal, described prevention and social-emotional activities at both schools and said the district will use the self-assessment to strengthen programs and review policies. The administration noted that HIB consequences can include counseling, restorative practices or adjustments to seating and are not limited to suspension.
The board accepted the report as presented; no new disciplinary actions were announced during the public session. Administration said follow-up HIB self-assessments and periodic reporting will continue according to state timelines.
