School Board Passes Bullying Policy

The Board of Education approved a new policy on harassment, bullying and intimidation Tuesday evening, following through on meeting new, specific requirements from the state.

"The state of New Jersey recognized the importance of teaching its young citizens how to work with other people," said Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan.

The new policy is much longer than the former one, giving many more details of what constitutes harassment or bullying including cyber bullying, options for consequences and how to determine those consequences.

While the policy adds a lot of details, "it gives you the flexibility to apply different parts of the policy to the child and incident" as appropriate, said Carol Gerson, a counselor at Edison Intermediate School, speaking at the board meeting.

It also notes that all school employees as well as members of the school community -- including students, parents and visitors -- are required to report incidences.

The board approved the new policy unanimously, but plans to make special efforts to publicize the plan and get feedback on it, especially from parents.

Approving the policy "doesn't mean in two months, if we find a flaw, we can't change it," said board member Alice Hunnicutt.

The next board of education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23.