Board hears safety updates and HIB grades; superintendent condemns hateful graffiti

District safety and anti-bullying staff told the board the midyear SSDS (Student Safety Data System) report shows declines in several incident categories and that the state-approved HIB self-assessment produced a district score of 71 out of a possible 78 points.

"Out of 78 possible points, we received a score of 71," said the anti-bullying specialist during the presentation. School safety coordinator Ralph Dana reviewed hardware and procedural improvements — alarm upgrades, a secure foyer at Jackson Avenue, exterior door numbering, updated critical-reference maps, and behavioral threat-assessment teams — and said required drills and county reporting will be completed on schedule.

In a separate statement the acting superintendent read aloud, the administration condemned racially offensive graffiti found in a boys' restroom at Hackensack Middle School and outlined emergency staff meetings and age-appropriate student discussions to reinforce inclusive expectations. "This act of hatred is unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to the values of the Hackensack Public Schools community," the statement read. Administrators said they will follow up with staff and families and asked for community partnership to reinforce respectful behavior.

Trustees asked questions about security coverage and SRO roles; the safety coordinator confirmed that school resource officers and police coverage will be part of district safety staffing and that some SROs are current Hackensack officers while others are retired officers serving as special law-enforcement officers.