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District: Confirmed HIBs fell while reports rose in latest semiannual update
Summary
The district reported more HIB reports but slightly fewer founded HIBs for the most recent semiannual period; the anti-bullying coordinator called for continued prevention and training and reminded parents of reporting rights.
Dan DeSantis, the district’s anti-bullying coordinator, summarized the Jackson Township School District’s semiannual HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) data, saying the district took every complaint seriously and focused on prevention.
DeSantis told the board that during the reporting period elementary schools conducted 33 investigations with 17 meeting the legal criteria for HIB, while secondary schools completed 25 investigations with nine found to be HIB. “Student safety remains our main concern, top priority,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis noted that although overall investigations rose slightly (from 53 to 58 between reporting periods), the number of founded HIB cases fell (from 28 to 26). He attributed the pattern to greater reporting by students and staff and to the fact that not every reported concern meets the legal definition of HIB. He described district prevention work — assemblies, character education, peer mediation, social-emotional learning and suicide-prevention education — and regular collaboration among anti-bullying specialists.
The coordinator urged continued reporting and outlined staff training on threat assessment and HIB procedures. The board did not take separate action on the presentation; it was provided for oversight and planning.
What happens next: DeSantis’s presentation will inform ongoing prevention efforts and training; the board and district staff will continue to monitor HIB data and enforcement of reporting protocols.
