Counselors Spent 810 Hours Complying with New Anti-Bullying Law

Each week at Montville's seven schools, counselors and anti-bullying specialists spend a combined 40 hours a week on average dealing with bullying reports in a way that complies with a school officials said this week.

The district has had 150 bullying cases so far this year, and the counselors and specialists have logged 810 hours addressing them, Board of Education President Dr. Karen Cortellino said. On top of that, administrators at the schools also spend time on the cases, which involve additional paperwork, followup investigations, parent notifications and hearings.

The Allamuchy school district in Warren County is arguing the new law is unconstitutional because it amounts to an "unfunded mandate."  Montville officials saw Ridgewood and River Vale school districts were supporting Allamuchy's challenge and decided to do the same, Cortellino said.

The unanimously approved a resolution supporting Allamuchy's challenge at its Tuesday meeting.

"This is a very well intentioned law," Cortellino said, but added the mechanism of the law is difficult and very complex. She said amendments to the law could streamline the process.

The state has argued districts can meet the law's requirements without additional costs, according to the Star-Ledger. A hearing before the Council on Local Mandates was scheduled for Friday, the news report said.