BERKELEY, NJ — Many parents were pleased to hear that the Central Regional School District was taking their suggestions and implementing new anti-bullying policies and procedures. But the lost trust in the administration cannot be rebuilt overnight, and the parents are wondering if these new policies will make a difference.
Several parents voiced these concerns to the Board of Education at their most recent meeting, some of whom were also members of the Parent Steering Committee that had seen their ideas come into fruition.
The new policies were brought up after many in the community were outraged with the district’s response to the bullying and death of 14-year-old Adriana Kuch. Read more: New Anti-Bullying Measures Implemented At Central Regional
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“I appreciate it,” said parent John Galifi of the changes, but noted that the previous policies and procedures were not followed. The trust in the administration was damaged, said Galifi, who has been outspoken about the bullying issues in the district.
Transparency with parents needs to be made “incredibly evident,” he said, adding that he thinks parents should be made aware of disciplinary actions before the child is told so they are able to participate. It may be uncomfortable but is necessary, Galifi said.
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The nature of discipline was another issue. One parent said that there needs to be stricter punishments for bullies and that victims should not be punished alongside them. She said that the problem starts at home and more accountability should be put onto the parents.
A former student who said her name was Devon challenged the Board to do more for mental health resources. She also disputed that a stricter punishment for bullies was necessary, as many of them have mental health issues themselves and need more resources.
Another sticking point among parents was cell phones and social media. Kuch’s attack was filmed and spread via social media, with some lawmakers in response proposing stricter punishments against students who do so. Some said that there should be no phones allowed in the schools as they create problems, and suggested that social media should be monitored.
However, others disagreed. Joeshun Miller, whose daughter was suspended last year after urging others to speak out by sharing a student’s racist social media post, said that monitoring social media is a “slippery slope.” She voiced concerns about private conversations being brought to administration.
Miller also wondered if her daughter was talking about a fight on social media but saying that it was bad or something similar, if she would get disciplined.
“I don’t know what the solution is,” Miller said.
And other parents said that they would not follow a ban on phones in school, as their children may need it in case of an emergency. In the event of a tragedy like a school shooter, Galifi said, the children would be focused on running or hiding, not grabbing their phones first.
“We need to start teaching our kids how to use these tools responsibly instead of banning them,” said Misty Borkowski.
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Board President Denise Pavone-Wilson encouraged some speakers to join their steering committee as the district continues to work on updating their policies.
Previous Coverage:
Ex-Central Superintendent’s Resignation Approved By School Board
Long History Of Bullying At Central Regional, Students Say
Thousands Raised For Family Of Bullied Bayville Teen
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