Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rochelle Park reports 27% drop in incidents; introduces learning labs, bocce court and supports for students
Summary
Principal Courtney Carmichael reported a 27% decrease in school incidents districtwide and described new academic and wellness supports for 2025–26, while administrators highlighted a grant‑funded bocce court and expanded HVAC work. The board noted the bocce court will support Special Olympics athletes and be reimbursed by LRIG.
Principal Dr. Courtney Carmichael presented the School Safety Data System report at the Aug. 26 meeting, saying the district recorded a 27 percent decrease in school incidents overall for PreK–8 compared with the prior year. The minutes show a decrease in reported HIB (harassment, intimidation, bullying) cases, fewer classroom cell‑phone removals and 20 student suspensions for the 2024–25 year.
Carmichael outlined programmatic steps to support students: learning labs and study-skills sessions, pulling NJSLA preparation into K–5 homerooms, a wellness special every other week, a 5th‑grade safety patrol and more in‑class support from related services. The minutes note BSI staff will be pulled from PE & Health one day weekly to provide academic support. These changes accompany facility improvements, including expanded air conditioning into second‑floor hallways.
The board also acknowledged a grant‑funded bocce court that will be available to students and used in lunch periods and special‑education programming. The bocce program has produced competitive teams that participate in the Special Olympics; the district plans a ribbon cutting. Fullerton Landscape Architects was approved for final payment of $32,000 plus $850 for soil removal; the minutes say that payment will be reimbursed by the Local Recreation Improvement Grant.
Superintendent Dr. Sue DeNobile and administrators thanked custodians, DPW personnel and PTO volunteers for summer work and noted that volunteers who led bocce and bowling activities will receive stipends under the new union contract. The district said custodial and HVAC projects improved building comfort ahead of the new school year.
Next steps recorded in the minutes include implementation of learning labs and monitoring incident data; the minutes do not indicate any new disciplinary policy changes beyond the described supports.
