State Prepares for Race to the Top

Bill Would Affect NJSBA Membership

NJDOE Readopts Accountability Regulations

Gov. Proclaims January 2010 ‘School Board Recognition Month’

Excess Surplus Will Offset State Aid Cuts – Corzine

Bills on Diploma Mills, School Choice Advance

Harassment and Bullying Policy Updated

Open Public Meetings Act Notice- Executive Committee Meeting

Obituary: Mario J. Gangi, Former NJSBA President

NJSBA Addresses Possible Pension Plan Changes

NJSBA Invites Members To Connect Online

Calendar

Click here for a pdf version of this issue of School Board Notes

Harassment and Bullying Policy Updated

NJSBA’s Legal and Policy Services department has revised its policy on harassment, intimidation and bullying, Policy 5131 in the Critical Policy Reference Manual.

The policy was most recently updated in September 2009. However, feedback from school districts and from the state Department of Education prompted a further revision.

“It is clear the New Jersey Department of Education is looking for a very detailed and district-specific policy on this topic,” said Steve McGettigan, manager of policy services for NJSBA. “Unlike other policies, where the board sets a direction for the administration and then the administration develops the regulations, the code that governs harassment, intimidation and bullying requires that the board must detail everything, including procedures, consequences and remedial measures, within the policy. This provides parents and guardians with one document they can review when it comes to this topic.”

While no single sample policy would be appropriate for all districts, the revised Policy 5131 is designed to provide guidance for the board within the policy itself. The policy has examples and suggestions for procedures that districts may choose from.

When using the sample policy, each school district must decide which specific items to incorporate into its own policy.

The NJSBA policy was reviewed by the New Jersey Department of Education, and found to be in compliance with the laws and regulations.

Districts that have a separate policy on harassment, intimidation or bullying should make certain that their existing  policy contains the new content.

A sample model policy copy of Conduct and Discipline “Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying” section (File Code 5131) in the Critical Policy Reference Manual, may be accessed online by checking under the “Popular Resources” box on the NJSBA Web site. 

For more information, contact Lou Schimenti of the Legal and Policy Services Department at (609) 278-5271.

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