Schools
VIDEO: District Adopts New Anti-Bullying Policy
Madison complies with new policies from Trenton.
The on Tuesday evening unanimously adopted a new policy in response to recent changes in the state's anti-bullying laws. Responding to the tragic suicide of a young Rutgers student, New Jersey's tougher Anti-Bullying Act of 2011 mandates stricter policies for Garden State school districts.
The major thrust of the new law is a new and expanded definition of bullying or HIB (Harrasment, Intimidation and Bullying); creation of a "School Safey Team" and an "Anti-Bullying Specialist" in every school, and an expansion of oversight for conduct away from the schools that might impact the operation of the school.
At the Board's work session at the high school, John B. Comegno II, Special Counsel to the board, outlined for the board members and an audience of about a dozen the scope of the new legislation and how it changed the 2002 Act, which were formulated in response to the 1999 killings of 13 people at Columbine High School in Colorado.
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Superintendent Michael Rossi said the district had already begun implementing some of the new requirements. While no one spoke in opposition to the measure, Madison resident Stephen Wells said he hoped the new measures wouldn't encourage parents to blow minor conflicts among students out of proportion, forcing the district to investigate minor incidents.
Comegno termed the district's approach to resolving harassment, intimidation and bullying complaints "therapeutic," perhaps using anger management or peer interventions to address incidents.
