Officials Speak Out Following Bullied Bayville Teen Suicide

BERKELEY, NJ — Both township and state officials are working to implement anti-bullying policies that will prevent tragedies like the suicide of 14-year-old Adriana Kuch from happening again.

Members of the community have been demanding justice since Kuch took her own life, following a physical attack on her at Central Regional High School that was filmed and shared on social media.

After the district Board of Education announced Saturday evening that Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides had resigned, they confirmed that there would be an independent assessment through the Department of Education into the district's anti-bullying policies.

"Adriana Kuch is the latest victim of the mental health and wellness crisis that has resulted in so much pain and loss for countless youth and their families, friends, and communities," New Jersey Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan and New Jersey Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said in a joint statement Monday. "Our thoughts and prayers are extended to everyone who knew and cared for Adriana, and each of the young people lost too soon to suicide."

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer confirmed to Patch that he had been in contact with both Parlapanides and now-Acting Superintendent Douglas Corbett on how to improve the district's response to bullying issues, including recommendations regarding "staff changes as well as programming and services to respond to the needs of the students."

"I will be working with the acting superintendent and school administrators to address the needs of the students as we move forward," Billheimer said.

Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato released a statement Saturday sharing his condolences and commending the students for protesting peacefully.

"Working with our police department, we will continue to have a strong presence in our schools, so students, parents and staff have a safe and secure learning environment," Amato said.

He added that he has spoken to Billhimer, the Board of Education, administrators, teachers and students about Kuch's death and the events leading up to it.

"Together, zero-tolerance policies will be implemented, and programs will be launched immediately to address these challenges," Amato said.

More details on this are likely to be shared at the next Board of Education meeting on Feb. 16. The Board meets at 7 p.m. in the high school presentation room.

"To the adults who live and work with our young people, we urge you to lead with empathy and kindness and to support the youth in your lives who may be struggling with hidden burdens they feel are too heavy to carry. To everyone, please know that suicide is never the answer," Allen-McMillan and Norbut Beyer said. "To any young people who may feel as if they are struggling, please know you matter and you are not alone. Please seek help from parents, trusted peer supports, and trusted educators and know that hope and help are always within your reach."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Spanish speakers can call 1-888-628-9454. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 1-800-799-4889.

Previous Coverage:

'We Want Justice': Central Students Protest After Classmate's Death

'Wonderful And Brave': Memorial Fund Created For Bayville Teen

Central Superintendent Resigns In Aftermath Of Student Death

4 Central Teens Charged In Recorded Attack Following Student's Suicide

Memorial Vigil Honors Bayville Teen After Suicide