Middletown BOE Member: School Boards Should Not Vote On HIB Reports

MIDDLETOWN, NJ ? One of the questions asked at last week's Middletown school board forum was how to reduce bullying in the district.

It was the first question asked, at minute 12:36, and was as follows: "What steps would you put in place to ensure there is a safe and accepting learning environment for all children, free from bullying, intimidation, harassment and violence?"

Longtime board member Joan Minnuies, who is seeking re-election, had a unique answer: She said in her opinion, school board should not be voting on HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) complaints.

"I really truthfully don't believe that a Board of Education should have to vote on bullying," said Minnuies, as part of her answer. "We are not part of the evaluation, the interviews that go on. Once in a while, we get a clear view of an issue that's bullying. The rest of the time, we're not there, how do we really know?"

It's a novel idea. But Minnuies' opinion is not likely to generate much change.

In New Jersey, school boards are required to review HIB complaints, and issue a final decision on the superintendent's assessment of the complaint's validity. Parents can then appeal that decision to the BOE if they disagree.

From the NJ School Boards Association:

"The superintendent is required to report the results of each HIB investigation to the board of education at a board meeting and, at the next board meeting, the board of education is required to issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject or modify the superintendent?s decision."

Minnuies did not respond when Patch asked her to elaborate on her comments.

On this topic: Middletown Has A Problem With Bullying: School Board Member (July 2024)

Parents Of Bullied Girl Who Died By Suicide Sue Middletown District (June 2024)