Understanding the HIB Process in Cherry Hill Public Schools




Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every student is a top priority for us at Cherry Hill Public Schools (CHPS). As Superintendent, I am personally committed to this mission. Harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying in any form can have pervasive impacts on both student well-being and academic achievement. To counter this, New Jersey's anti-bullying law provides a strong framework to safeguard our students, fostering a climate of respect and security.

At the heart of our efforts is the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) process. This procedure is not only in line with state requirements but also addresses incidents that stem from distinctive personal characteristics such as race, gender, religion, and other identity markers. This approach helps us understand and address bullying in a more nuanced and effective manner.

Our district's disciplinary process is designed to handle incidents swiftly and with care. Each HIB report triggers an investigation by an Anti-Bullying Coordinator—typically a guidance counselor in our elementary schools or a student assistance counselor in secondary schools. This ensures that every case is treated with the attention it deserves.

Timeliness is crucial in our HIB process. An investigation starts within one school day of receiving a report and must be concluded within ten school days. The results are then shared with both the superintendent and the school board, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.

Beyond the HIB process, our Student Code of Conduct helps address other behavioral issues, reinforcing a disciplined and respectful atmosphere across our schools.

As we look towards the future, I am thrilled to highlight our plans to enhance the HIB process as part of our District Goals for the 2024-2025 school year. We are committed to conducting a thorough evaluation to identify areas of improvement, ensuring we meet our students' needs more effectively. This will involve obtaining candid feedback from our community by surveying students and parents that have been part of an HIB process.

Among our planned enhancements are strategies to increase awareness of the HIB process, as well as integrating continuous feedback to make the process clearer and more efficient. These efforts emphasize our dedication to creating a safe, supportive, and high-quality educational environment for every student.

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