New Providence BOE Releases HIB Statistics, Standardized Test Scores

The New Providence Board of Education investigated 28 incidents of violence, vandalism and substance abuse within the district since January in accordance with the state HIB law in an effort to curb bullying and abuse in the district. 

Despite the figures, some members of the Board of Education fear that since the law requires such an extensive investigation, involving several members of the anti-bullying team required by the state, that some parents are less likely to alert the schools if their child is being bullied. 

Superintendent of Schools David Miceli said that's a concern that has been brought up by educators throughout the state, noting that because of the layers parents need to go through to report an incident, it is preventing them from bringing it up at all. 

"It's being dealt with underground," he said. "Some families are opting not to present it so we're not getting all the information."

Of the incidents reported, 23 were violence related, two were vandalism and three were substance abuse. Of the violence related reports, 19 were confirmed as incidents of HIB according to state statutes. 

Board member Adam Smith said with the adoption of the law, it makes it harder to address a problem because counselors and teachers have to analyze whether it could be considered a HIB problem or not, and act accordingly, rather than dealing with the incident directly. 

"It takes focus away from the dispute," he said.

Debbie Feinberg, who coordinates the anti-bullying measures in district, said the state knows about the concerns. In the meantime, the state will be issuing HIB report cards indicating how districts fare within the guidelines. 

The board was also presented preliminary standardized testing scores, placing a majority of test takers as proficient. 

For the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA), 99.2 percent score proficient in language arts, with 41.1 percent designated as advanced proficient. In math, 96.1 percent score proficient, with 61.2 percent as advanced proficient. 

In AP testing, the average score was a 4.06 out of a possible 5. Of the 60 percent of students who took the exam out of those enrolled in AP classes (the highest percentage taking the test in years, Miceli said) 42 percent scored a 5. 

"This is a tremendous success," Miceli said. "We encourage students to take the test, and many of them have done very well."

OTHER NEWS

The board heard testimonials from three seniors who participated in the school's internship option for seniors. 

Seniors Gabe Lyons, Jessica Marriott and Kathleen Joyce told the board about their experiences with a four week internship, where they spent 30 hours a week in the professional world. 

All three said they learned valuable lessons in their respective fields, and plan to take the lessons with them as they head off to college in the fall.

Deemed a success, the program will be available to all seniors who can find their own internships next year.

The board also approved five appointments in the district as part of a hiring push to fill 25 vacant spots before school starts again. The new hires are:

• Alexis Jacqueney - teacher
• Glen Robertson - teacher
• Elizabeth Surman  - teacher aide
• Christina Rowek - teacher aide
• Kathleen Lutkenhouse - summer worker

There are still vacant positions that Miceli said will be filled within the next week and will be on the board's next agenda for approval.