Report: 46 Bullying Incidents Confirmed in Schools

The investigated 154 reports of harassment, intimidation and bullying in the 2011-12 school year.

According to a report by Scott Rocco, the district’s anti-bullying coordinator and assistant superintendent for human resources, a total of 46 incidents were confirmed.

The incidents resulted in 17 in-school suspensions, six out-of-school suspensions and 11 detentions, according to the report presented at Monday’s school board meeting.

Other disciplinary actions taken were conferences with parents, suspension of privileges and individual counseling sessions.

Two referrals for therapy were also made.

Under a new state law, Rocco said, the incidents must both have to be “disruptive” to the school day and the victim must be a member of a protected class, such as race, gender, religion and sexual orientation.

Of the incidents, six involved race, 11 involved gender, seven involved disabilities, six involved sexual orientation and 20 involved “other distinguishing characteristics.” Some of the subjects could be members of two or more protected classes, Rocco explained.

The most common form of incident, the report stated, was verbal (33), followed by gesture (12) and physical (10.) Electronic communications accounted for eight incidents.

Because of the new law, this year’s report will serve as a baseline for the district, Rocco said.

The school district reviews its harassment, intimidation and bullying policies every year, Rocco said. Anti-bullying programs are integrated into the curriculum and each staff member, including substitutes, receives training, Rocco said.

The district also offers a number of conflict resolution programs and peer programs, he said.

The district also cooperates with the township police department, Rocco said.