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District anti‑bullying scorecard: Hanover schools score near perfect on self‑assessment
Summary
The district reported near‑perfect HIB self‑assessment scores (76/78), highlighted prevention programs such as Week of Respect and staff training, and described investigation and reporting processes; board members sought details on consistency and tools for documentation across schools.
Michael Anderson, Memorial Junior School principal and the district’s anti‑bullying coordinator, told the board that Hanover Township schools scored 76 out of a possible 78 points on the 2024‑25 HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) self‑assessment.
Anderson said the district’s work centers on eight core elements, including prevention programs, staff training, personnel structure for investigations, reporting and communication of outcomes, and curriculum that teaches empathy and conflict resolution. He described the Week of Respect and character‑education programs as continuing, embedded practices that help prevent incidents.
On reporting and investigations, Anderson said counselors at each school serve as anti‑bullying specialists and lead investigations to ensure timely and consistent follow‑through. He added the district uses locally developed forms and has considered subscription online tools that other districts use to track incidents and investigations.
Board members asked whether moving to an online case‑management system or standardized forms would improve consistency. Anderson said the district has shared its forms with neighboring districts and is weighing whether to adopt an online subscription service to streamline documentation.
The presentation concluded with a pledge to submit the district’s approved HIB scores to the New Jersey Department of Education and to continue staff training and community engagement to sustain progress.
