District Reports 18 Cases of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Caldwell-West Caldwell Schools investigated 58 incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) during the 2011-2012 school year, the first year during which the state mandated tracking, according to district Superintendent James Heinegg. 

Heinegg reported on incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying, as well as violence and vandalism, at Monday night’s board of education meeting.

Of the 58 investigations, 18 were confirmed incidents of HIB. The incidents occurred at five of the district’s six schools—11 at James Caldwell High School, three and Grover Cleveland Middle School, two at Jefferson Elementary School, one at Lincoln Elementary School and one at Wilson Elementary School.

The incidents fell into four categories—three cases of name calling, four threats, 10 demeaning comments and one act of intimidation.

“All incidents were investigated within the timelines established by the law and policy, and all outcomes were upheld by the Board of Education,” Heinegg said.

The superintendent said during his report that the number of cases of violence and vandalism were about the same for the previous school year.

In the 2011-2012 school year, the district reported six acts of violence, two acts of vandalism, two cases of weapons use and one incident involving cost to the district.

There were a total of 10 student offenders and five student victims and two school personnel victims.

None of the incidents resulted in criminal charges, Heinegg said.

The district also approved switching to a new emergency communication system Monday.