>New bullying law stirs up complaints from Educators
Marlboro K-8 school board adds voice to growing discontent with legislation
BY JACK MURTHA Staff Writer
Finding inspiration in the actions of two other school districts, members of the Marlboro K-8 School District Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution taking issue with provisions required by New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
The board took the action at its meeting on Dec. 19.
Through the resolution, the Marlboro board members announced their support for the Allamuchy School District (Warren County) Board of Education’s attempt to nullify the new law by claiming it is an unfunded mandate handed down by the state Legislature to New Jersey’s school districts.
The Legislature has not provided any financial support for costs that may be associated with complying with the law, according to school district officials.
“We don’t disagree with the fact that we need to aggressively deal with harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) and we will continue to do that,” Marlboro Superintendent of Schools David Abbott said. “(The Legislature) passed a law without providing the proper support that we will need to deal with all of the requirements.”
Financial pressures related to the need for anti-bullying positions to be created placed the school district in a difficult spot, Abbott said. He said the law called for the board to designate one district anti-bullying coordinator, plus an anti-bullying specialist in each school.
The board’s resolution said the district must pay members of school safety teams, including anti-bullying specialists, coordinators and appointed teachers, annual stipends that will not be covered by the state. Additional services will require an unknown amount of funding, according to the resolution.
https://nt.gmnews.com/news/2011-12-28/Front_Page/New_bullying_law_stirs_up_complaints.html