Harassment, Bullying Incidents Remain Consistant in Hillsborough

Hillsborough, NJ -- Harrassment, Intimidation and Bullying reports are remaining low and consistent in Hillsborough.

Michael Volpe, Director of Human Resources and Affirmative Action Officer for the Hillsborough School District presented the bi-annual report to the board of education at the May 9 meeting.

“The numbers have slowly dipped and remained constant over time and we think that is in large part due to the education we are giving parents and community as to what harrassment, intimidation and bullying actually is,” Volpe said at the meeting.

From September to December 2015, there were 15 reported violence and vandalism incidents which include 4 violence, 0 vandalism, 1 weapon, 5 substance abuse and 5 HIB.

Looking at each individual school with the number of investigations, followed by the number of affirmed HIB incidents, as Volpe reported:

• Amsterdam School - 0, 0
• Auten Road Intermediate - 1,0
• Hillsborough Elementary - 2,0
• Hillsborough High School- 5,2
• Hillsborough Middle School - 3, 3
• Sunnymead Elementary - 4, 0
• Triangle Elementary - 0, 0

Investigations can be started by a parent, any community member or a staff member and they are then moved forward and examined. Out of the 15 incidents reported, five were found to be HIB incidents.

“I think overall our schools are doing a better job of educating parents as to what harassment, intimidation and bullying is because we are getting slightly less referrals and we are doing well with our programs since we are getting less confirmed instances of harassment, intimidation and bullying,” Volpe said.

However, just because an incident is not found to be an HIB, Volpe noted it can represent poor behavior or poor choice by a student and consequences can still be applied.

Looking at the past reports, the number of incidents have lowered.

In January to June 2014 there were 25 reported instances; September to December 2014 there was 12; January to June 2015 there was 14; and September to December 2015 there was 15.

Out of the investigations the number of how many were actually found to be HIB were: January to June 2014 was 7 incidents; September to December 2014 was 8, January to June 2015 was 5; and September to December 2015 was 5.

“There is no discernable pattern as to spikes here or there or any particular reason HIB is happening,” Volpe said. “Honestly I think that is a good thing because it means we are applying programs broadly and addressing issues as they arise.”

The report for the January to June 2016 period will be presented in September.

(Photo via Morguefile)