Bullying Cases Down as Glen Rock Schools Expand Proactive Safety Strategies
The Glen Rock School District is reporting a steady decline in incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB), as well as other safety-related cases, marking a three-year trend of improvement. At a recent Board of Education presentation on September 15th, district officials credited this progress to a mix of consistent data monitoring and new proactive measures aimed at supporting student well-being.
Anti-bullying coordinator Ms. Della Fortuna presented the latest student safety data, showing that Glen Rock schools continue to exceed state expectations under the Anti-Bullying Rights Act. Combined incidents across categories such as violence, vandalism, weapons, and substance use are trending downward. The district has also seen fewer incidents requiring student removal.
To maintain momentum, the district has introduced two key strategies this school year. A newly established in-school suspension space provides students with a structured, supervised environment where they can reflect on behavior without losing access to academics. Staffed by certified personnel, the space is designed to balance accountability with restorative practices that promote re-entry into the classroom community.
The second strategy involves a redesigned supervision model. Using incident location data, school leaders have adjusted staffing to increase adult presence in high-traffic and high-need areas throughout the day. This change is meant to reduce opportunities for conflict before they occur.
Support through the district’s Wellness Center has also been expanded. Students involved in disciplinary incidents are often connected with counselors to address underlying concerns and build decision-making skills. This “whole child” approach is reflected in continued district-wide use of the Ruler method, which integrates social-emotional learning into advisory periods, classroom activities, and elementary-level community circles.
Each school maintains a School Climate and Safety Team composed of administrators, teachers, the anti-bullying specialist, and a parent. These teams meet at least twice annually to review trends, address emerging issues, and guide climate improvement efforts. Anti-bullying specialists in every building undergo required training to ensure proper investigation procedures, while the district’s coordinator provides consistent resources and policy guidance to staff.
Superintendent Dr. Charleston expressed gratitude for the collaborative work behind the numbers. He thanked educators, building leaders, parents, counselors, student leaders, and the anti-bullying team for their shared commitment to safe, inclusive learning environments.