BERKELEY – A school official outlined a plan to address the bullying at Central Regional during a press conference, but it was not presented to residents at a public meeting filled with conflict hours later.
These prospective initiatives include:
Organization of a steering committee, including parents, to evaluate and update their approach to bullying and other issues;
Retaining an outside party to examine their policies and their responses to this crisis;
Reviewing the District’s cell phone policy;
Scheduling a student assembly to discuss bullying, social media risks and related contemporary issues;
Establishing a toll-free hotline operated by an outside party, for students to call (anonymously if they wish) if they feel threatened physically or online;
Arranging guest speakers for student assemblies focused on avoiding and preventing risky behaviors;
Arranging for education and information sessions for parents to help them better understand bullying, harassment, and other issues impacting students;
Additional training for faculty, staff and parents to recognize potential problem situations and how to help; and
More frequent communications with parents and guardians and the broader community about new and existing programs and services.
This list wasn’t read to the parents in a meeting, just read to journalists. It was sent out to parents the next day through the parent portal and it was posted on the website.
Addressing reporters prior to a regularly scheduled school board meeting, newly appointed Acting Superintendent Douglas Corbett said, “Everyone at Central Regional School District and High School mourns the loss of Adriana Kuch. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends in this difficult time. The circumstances of her passing are disturbing and we share the community’s shock.”
He noted that the above list is preliminary and more actions might be taken.
“Determining how best to improve on these priorities, and implementing effective solutions will take time. But we will not stand still,” Corbett said. “We are committed to learning from this tragedy wand listening to our parents, students and our community.”
He said that the district’s policy on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying meet state standards. An assembly regarding bullying leads off every academic year.
“It’s important to note that the district has a team of specialists…including three anti-bullying coordinators and a 27-member crisis team,” he said.”
Parents had a lot to say about Central’s handling of the issue, stating that what happened to Adriana wasn’t an isolated incident but an inevitable result of how the district turns a blind eye to problems.
“We are listening to their message. We need to observe and listen to cries for help, identify ill will before it’s carried out” and try to prevent it, Corbett said.
The press conference was a short session, about 40 minutes. Local media was there, as well as major news networks and even the Daily Mail, showing the international scope. Questions were lobbed at Corbett, accusing him or the district of wrongdoing. The public relations team that had been hired that week controlled the meeting, and prevented officials from answering questions about minors (such as what happened to Adriana) and personnel (such as what happened to former Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides). This led to accusations that the officials were hiding something.
Rumors have spread that Parlapanides is still employed by the district. The district said he resigned. He told this newspaper he resigned. The idea that he is still being paid by the district is likely due to the fact that the long-term employee has many vacation days that need to be paid out with the terms of his contract or perhaps the terms of his resignation.
Personnel records and student records are both confidential by law – but everyone knows what happened anyway. Adriana Kuch was beat up by other children, who posted the attack on social media. She committed suicide shortly thereafter.
Board President Denise Pavone-Wilson wasn’t going to talk but she briefly came to the podium.
“This has been devastating,” she said. The board didn’t yet have a chance to meet but they have been calling and texting each other trying to come up with solutions.
A Culture Of Bullying
The tone of the public meeting was similar, with many accusations from parents. This was a regularly scheduled board meeting, so they went through about 20 minutes of generic business on the meeting agenda before opening the floor to the public.
The public didn’t want to wait and some people were shouting at the board from the beginning. One yelled “We don’t care about your agenda!” A few other parents stood up and tried to get everyone to calm down so that the meeting wouldn’t get shut down. There was a police presence. The chief and the county prosecutor were in the audience, as well as a few elected officials. A grief counselor urged people to talk to others if they are hurting, and listen to people who might be hurting.
Board President Pavone-Wilson said her kids went here. “We do not condone fighting or bullying of any kind. We never did and we never will.”
They held a moment of silence for Adriana. Then, the shouting resumed as students, former students, and parents painted a picture of what they experienced in the district.
This newspaper will not repeat specific claims or names in order to protect the children involved. The concern is if they were named, they would face additional bullying. For example, one child started to self-harm because of the issues in school. That information could provide bullies with more ammunition. While their bravery in stepping forward should be applauded, and mental illness shouldn’t be stigmatized, it is not worth publishing these names for these children’s future employers to find online.
Children shared stories of being stonewalled or gaslit by staff when they asked for help. One said if a child files a report, sometimes the bullying intensifies.
“For months – years – we’ve been talking about the same thing with no results,” parent Kelly Edwards said.
Parent John Galifi said the district has been reactionary – making changes after bad things happen, rather than proactive and trying to stop a problem before it gets worse.
“If you’re always fighting the parents, you’re putting yourself in the wrong place,” he said.
“The press conference was backhanded. It is time to listen. We the parents are dedicated to keeping the spotlight on you until it’s solved to our liking,” he said.
A 2001 graduate said “This is not a new issue here at Central Regional.”
Some children were bullied by teachers or coaches, according to the speakers.
One recent grad said that he was bullied out of the district by both kids and teachers. He was told “that teacher’s just that way.” He was told that he needs to grow up and get used to dealing with people he doesn’t like.
“I’ve been out of school for two years and honestly no one has treated me like that,” he said.
Traci Rocco said her son wasn’t bullied but intervened to help someone who was.
However, there is a culture of bullying. It was shown when the superintendent said what he said about the Kuch family, she said. It was shown when staff are getting bullied by people because of this issue (staff members have received death threats). Two board of education members posted racist things on social media (This is in reference to Heather Koenig and a relative of Merissa Borawski last year). She said that some of the other people on the board and some of the other staff members might get lumped in as guilty by association.
“I think some of your employees are amazing,” she said.
One girl, who shared that Adriana was her best friend, said that twice she’s had gun threats.
“We’re scared to walk the halls of Central,” a 9th grader said. “There are police officers, but all they do is scare us.”
She suggested a program where other responsible adults, perhaps members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, could volunteer at the school to provide an extra layer of protection.
Another student said she was bullied in school so she was told by staff to go virtual. She said she was told to switch classes or suck it up. Now, she’s in a better place with friends who care and she’s built her confidence. “Central didn’t help me. I did that on my own.”
One parent said “I understand the state has guidelines but can the district do more?”
Parent James Magee said if a student hits another they should get a police charge or a fine. Maybe it would change their behavior if the consequences were stronger.
Some parents warned that they’re going to teach their children to fight back because that’s the only way they’ll be safe.
One current student said he was bullied every day and didn’t receive the help he needed from the school. He also called out the hypocrisy of some of the people in the crowd. “People in this room have bullied me and I don’t even know why you’re here.”
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