JACKSON – Board of Education members listened to the most recent Violence and Vandalism – Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) report during a recent Board meeting.
The report covered the time period of January 1 through June 30. It included a self-assessment grade report submission and a presentation was made by Ray Milewski, the school district’s director of security.
Milewski explained that the state began collecting data in these serious conduct areas and presented a breakdown going back to 2019 (pre-COVID-19) for comparison through 2023. He also explained the definition of alleged versus confirmed HIB. “Under reporting requirements, we classify as HIB alleged – defined as an allegation that was investigated and no evidence found and confirmed by the Board of Education, and HIB confirmed – defined as an allegation that was investigated and there was evidence found and confirmed by the Board of Education.”
“Who did the assessment for the schools?” Board member Megan Gardella asked.
Milewski responded that the Anti Bullying Specialist provided the assessment, with his assistance.
Board Vice President Tina Kas stated that Goetz School has a lower assessment than the other schools.
Milewski replied “we are working with the Anti Bullying Specialist, and we are seeing improvement.”
Board President Giuseppe Palmeri said that the State of New Jersey recently had the one-year anniversary for legalization of marijuana. “The vast majority of our substance abuse in schools is marijuana. “Do you feel the legalization has contributed to the uptick?” he asked.
Milewski answered that “it’s obviously a factor. We see a noticeable, dramatic increase in marijuana use in the schools. The availability of products on the market contributes to the increase in use.”
Board member Tara Rivera asked about the “I Love You Guys Foundation.”
Milewski explained that the foundation was founded by parents of students who lost their lives to school shootings around the country. The foundation consists of educators and law enforcement personnel, who work on standardized response roles and protocols.
“They have written a template that all schools can use, as well as communication plans. Back in January 2022, our administrators went through a five-hour webinar for training; it was a very good training session. A lot of the information is free and available to print and utilize,” he said.
Milewski added, “they also provide ongoing training, if requested. We have adopted the program and are in year two of the program.”
Graduation Assessment Results
Superintendent Nicole Pormilli reported on the spring 2023 New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) Results – saying it “has been put into place, and is what we utilize now.”
She also gave an update on the 2023/2024 school year budget and loan request and reached out to the County Superintendent’s office. “There is still no news. Our application is being reviewed by the treasury department.
Facility projects completed
Rivera reported that several projects were completed including the Jackson Liberty High School’s hot water heater which was repaired at the football stadium mechanical room and McAuliffe school’s hot water heater for the school and kitchen.
She added that the Switlik School’s gutters and downspouts were cleared of debris. The Administrative Building’s gutters and downspouts were also cleared of debris.
The Goetz School’s HVAC program “was tied in with the electrical systems emergency generator by our in-house electrician, and Memorial (High School) new tennis court cracks were repaired,” Rivera said.
The district plumbing project was also completed at Johnson School as well as at the Holman School.
Work on preschool playgrounds were also completed.
Advocacy Committee
Gardella reported that the Advocacy Committee met. That panel is an ad-hoc committee, with the goal of providing resolutions that will advance local and statewide legislation, policy, and funding to ensure continued student achievement, accountability, and academic standards.
The board committee will highlight legislation at board meetings and request support for advocacy from interested community members who are willing to attend legislative meetings and communicate broadly to the Jackson community.
Current projects include advocating for “our budget situation; putting a group together for the vote to the public in November and putting a group together to work on the following four bills: S-3950/A-5575 (Establishes exemption from state school aid reductions for certain school districts) A-4011 (directs the commissioner of education to establish a three-year pilot program to increase reading levels of certain students; appropriates $1 million.) A-5412 (Establishes non-public school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of non-public schools that will assume responsibility for mandated non-public school busing) S-4027 (Requires the commissioner of education to establish a matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning),” she added.
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