Long History Of Bullying At Central Regional, Students Say

BERKELEY, NJ — Slurs thrown in hallways, threatening social media posts and physical attacks.

Dozens of current and former Central Regional School District students and parents shared their stories of bullying at Thursday's Board of Education meeting, and according to them, it stretches back decades.

The four-hour meeting was the first since 14-year-old student Adriana Kuch was attacked in the high school's hallways, leading to her taking her own life.

A graduate of the class of 1979 and a current high school ninth grader said the same thing - there is a bullying problem in the district. And they say that administration does nothing to help.

Current eleventh grade student Milo Lugo was emotional sharing stories of being bullied in the district since the seventh grade.

"I've had people try to jump me because I'm gay," Lugo shared.

"I've just been told to ignore it, to be the bigger person, walk away," Lugo said. "I was never really given any genuine help."

That was echoed dozens of times throughout the evening, many speaking through tears.

Former student Sidney Mohel said that he was bullied by students and teachers, leading him to drop out of school.

Mohel said that he went to his guidance counselor seeking help, but was told "grow up, this is the real world."

"I've been out of the school district for two years," Mohel said. "And I've got to say, I've never met a single person who's ever treated me the way those people have."

Parents expressed a lack of faith in the administration and school board.

Bullying was also brought up with context of the board members. Two, Heather Koenig and Merissa Borawski, were under fire last year after sharing racist social media posts. Borawski was absent from Thursday's meeting. Read more: Racism Permeates Central Regional School Culture, Students Say

Joeshun Miller, whose daughter was targeted with racial slurs last year, said that it "shouldn't have gotten to this point."

"This administration is failing our students," father John Galifi said, adding that what they have done in response to Kuch's death was a "reactionary kneejerk" that was too late.

"These children don't feel safe coming to school," Galifi said.

Another former student, Emily Bush, punctuated her speech with "a big f--- you."

Speakers argued for change, and Acting Superintendent Douglas Corbett outlined some ideas the district wants to implement.

Prospective measures include establishing a steering committee of parents and more to evaluate the district's approach to bullying, an independent examination of the school's anti-bullying policies, guest speakers and student assemblies and more.

He also invited community input.

"We will not stand still," Corbett said.

But Corbett did not address Kuch's situation specifically, citing an open investigation. He did say he had not been in touch with the Kuch family.

He also denied there being a "culture of violence" in the district prior to the meeting.

Previous Coverage:

No 'Culture Of Violence' At Central, Acting Superintendent Says

Thousands Raised For Family Of Bullied Bayville Teen

NJ Legislators Propose Amending Anti-Bullying Laws In Wake Of Suicide