What Comes Next For The Central Regional School District?

BERKELEY, NJ — Change is needed in the Central Regional School District.

This has been made clear over the past few weeks by dozens of parents, students and concerned community members who have been protesting the response to the death of Adriana Kuch.

Kuch, 14, took her own life after she was attacked in the high school's hallways, which was filmed and spread via social media.

After a lengthy and emotional Board of Education meeting, where many shared their personal tales of being bullied in the district, the question naturally followed: what's next?

District officials have outlined some prospective actions, and said they encourage community input.

Among these initiatives are forming a steering committee, a third party examination of the district's policies and response to Kuch's attack, student assemblies and more.

“These are just a few examples of ideas and we look forward to developing these and other initiatives further,” Acting Superintendent Douglas Corbett said.

Naturally, there are concerns about whether this will be enough. And part of the concern comes from the fact that many are asking for an entirely new administration to take over.

Corbett took over after the resignation of former Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides. But protestors have called for Corbett's resignation as well, along with the district's anti-bullying coordinator and the high school's principal.

Additionally, parents have voiced fears that the measures are too little, too late.

“This administration is failing our students,” father John Galifi said to applause from the audience, adding that what they have done in response to Kuch's death was a “reactionary kneejerk.”

Others repeated that they had no faith in the Board of Education.

“We believe a complete overhaul of this administration is absolutely necessary,” said father Scott Medwin. This is the only way to regain trust in the district, he said.

Medwin referenced a petition calling for an investigation into the school district and Board of Education, which notes that a culture of fear and intimidation is present in the district and is perpetuated by the administration.

Corbett has denied these claims.

“I disagree with that,” Corbett told reporters in response to a question about a culture of violence existing in the district. “That has not been my experience at all.”

State data for the district shows that harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) complaints have risen over the past few years. And stories shared by speakers at the Board of Education meeting indicated that bullying issues stretch back decades.

Additionally, 9th District legislators (which includes Berkeley and Ocean Gate) are proposing new amendments to New Jersey's anti-bullying laws, which would require schools to immediately report to police if an assault that causes injury to a student occurs.

Administration has said that they are listening to students and parents, and that they are committed to making changes, though it's not clear when or how the proposed initiatives will be implemented.

Previous Coverage:

No 'Culture Of Violence' At Central, Acting Superintendent Says
Long History Of Bullying At Central Regional, Students Say
NJ Legislators Propose Amending Anti-Bullying Laws In Wake Of Suicide

Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the name of the father who spoke about the petition. Patch regrets this error.