Violence and Vandalism Incidents are Down, Says Township BOE

Incidents involving vandalism and violence in Freehold Township School District are down this year compared to last. The Board of Education is required to report in public on any incidents that are reported involving harassment, intimidation or bullying (HIB) or of violence and vandalism. Since the last year, four HIB incidents were reported and eight forms of violence and vandalism were reported. 

“Two were confirmed incidents of HIB, and two were unfound incidents,” said Board President, Mindy Willie. “In addition I need to share the district report of violence and vandalism. Last school year there were two report incidents of violence, four vandalism, three incidents of weapons and zero of substance abuse.”

In total the violence and vandalism incidents counted as eight, because one incident was counted in two different categories.

According to Willie, the incidents did not add any costs to the district. The police were called seven different times but no complaints were filed. Willie also mentioned that there were eight student offenders, one student victim and one staff victim. The incidents resulted in eight out of school suspensions. 

“The year before there were nine total incidents, with the amount of students we have, there has constantly been a small number of incidents that are categorized as violence and vandalism, and I attribute that to our wonderful students and great staff and the programs such as our incentive program that helps develop character,” said Willie. 

The next Freehold Township BOE meeting will be held in the Board Office Conference room on Jan. 10, 2010.