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Board discusses HIV self-assessment and anti-bullying training for schools
Summary
Board members raised parental concerns about bullying and asked how the district's HIV self-assessment and anti-bullying protocols are implemented; administrators said state criteria drive the self-assessment, each school's anti-bullying coordinator completes required surveys, and coordinators will attend training Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Parents and board members at the Millstone Township School District meeting pressed administrators for details about the district’s HIV self-assessment and how anti-bullying incidents are handled.
Vice President Riley relayed a parent's concern about perceived ongoing bullying in the district and asked who conducts the self-assessment. The administrator, Dr. Sea, explained that the self-assessment follows state-established criteria and is completed by each school's anti-bullying coordinator, who reports on professional development, services offered and building-level practices. "The self assessment has to do with the criteria that the state establishes and each one of our schools' anti-bullying coordinator has to answer that survey," the administrator said.
Dr. Sea noted that the self-assessment does not directly record every disciplinary incident but addresses procedures and training. She said three counselors and the district anti-bullying coordinator will attend training on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 to improve climate and culture with the goal of reducing incidents. She also reiterated that, under applicable laws and privacy rules, the district cannot share disciplinary consequences applied to other students with parents; instead the district can describe available supports such as counseling or group services.
Board members emphasized communicating consequences to parents and ensuring consistent application of the code of conduct. The administrator said the code outlines first, second and third offenses and the district posts that information on the website and in the handbook. The board voted to approve the administrator’s report, which included the item on the self-assessment; further specific policy impacts remain scheduled for later discussion with stakeholders.
Next steps noted in the meeting: anti-bullying coordinators will receive training in late September and early October, and the board signaled it will continue to review implementation and communication with parents.
