Caldwell-West Caldwell Superintendent Reports on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Caldwell-West Caldwell Schools saw seven incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying in the first four months of the school year, Superintendent James Heinegg reported at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.

Heinegg presented his mid-year report on harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB), as well as violence and vandalism, as required by the state.

Four of the HIB incidents took place at the high school and three at the middle school, he said.

The 2011-2012 school year was the first year the state mandated reporting. A total of 18 incidents of HIB were confirmed in the district that first year. 

"As a district, we're becoming more and more comfortable with the law," Heinegg said. 

He added the state is now less focused on procedure and more on "improving school climate" in order to reduce the likelihood of bullying in the first place. 

Heinegg also reported on violence and vandalism in the district. He said there was one incident of violence, two of vandalism and two incidents which fell under the HIB category between September and December. 

The superintendent said because an incident does not fall under one of the state's categories does not mean it is not taken seriously.

"We have to categorize certain instances, according to state requirements," he said.