Ridgewood News Editorial: Time to take a step back
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
When New Jersey lawmakers passed a tough anti-bullying law in response to the suicide of Ridgewood resident Tyler Clementi, it seemed like a good idea. Having a set of policies and procedures in place to handle incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying (HIB) among children is a good idea — in theory.
But the mandatory investigative process has proven to be time-consuming, requiring manpower and lots of paperwork, and a big burden to school districts already faced with state budget cuts. Recently, the state Council on Local Mandates declared that the anti-bullying law is unconstitutional unless the state provides funding to handle the extra workload.
We encourage the state to find the funding to keep this important law in place; we also believe the state should clarify the guidelines to clearly define what types of incidents must be reported. Some are instances of child play and not serious abuse, such as the kindergarten student who used a Teddy bear to hit another child, according to Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), the lead sponsor of the law.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/139073099_Time_to_take_a_step_back.html
The Ridgewood Blog
Showing posts with label anti bully. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anti bully. Show all posts
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Monday, February 06, 2012
Changes to anti-bullying bill delayed
Changes to anti-bullying bill delayed
Gov. Chris Christie and legislative sponsors of the anti-bullying law deemed unconstitutional for imposing costs on schools without providing funds expressed willingness last week to make the changes needed to keep the law on the books.
Resolution for the law’s uncertain future appears unlikely until the spring at the earliest, however. Christie said it’s not possible to determine how to proceed until reading the state Council on Local Mandates’ written opinion, and the council doesn’t plan on issuing that until March 27. (Symons, Gannett)
Thursday, February 02, 2012
State council says bullying bill is unfair to school districts
State council says bullying bill is unfair to school districts
Thursday February 2, 2012, 3:52 PM
BY JOSEPH CRAMER
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
The anti-bullying law that went into effect for all New Jersey schools at the beginning of the current school year was recently declared unconstitutional unless the state provides funding for the mandates.
Last week's ruling will go into effect in 60 days, after which the select portions, which include mandating the creation of new positions and associated financial stipends and the establishment of bullying prevention programs, will expire if not funded by the state.
http://www.northjersey.com/topstories/ridgewood/138592114_State_Council_says_bullying_bill_unfair_to_school_districts.html
Thursday February 2, 2012, 3:52 PM
BY JOSEPH CRAMER
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
The anti-bullying law that went into effect for all New Jersey schools at the beginning of the current school year was recently declared unconstitutional unless the state provides funding for the mandates.
Last week's ruling will go into effect in 60 days, after which the select portions, which include mandating the creation of new positions and associated financial stipends and the establishment of bullying prevention programs, will expire if not funded by the state.
http://www.northjersey.com/topstories/ridgewood/138592114_State_Council_says_bullying_bill_unfair_to_school_districts.html
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Christie open to ways to remedy anti-bullying setback
Christie open to ways to remedy anti-bullying setback
Gov. Chris Christie and leading legislators yesterday vowed to address a state ruling that says sections of New Jersey's landmark anti-bullying law are an unfunded mandate -- without discounting the idea of supplying districts with additional money.
Christie said he still needed to review Friday's decision of the state's Council on Local Mandates that the law imposed an unconstitutional mandate on districts in not providing adequate funding. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Dealing with bullies back in NJ Legislature’s court
Dealing with bullies back in NJ Legislature’s court
A little-know state council has found itself in the spotlight with its decision that New Jersey’s anti-bullying law represents an unfunded state mandate.
The question now: How is the legislature going to fix the problem? The Council on Local Mandates on Friday ruled that the new law laying out specific procedures and staffing in every school represented an unfunded requirement that is not permitted under the state constitution.
But the council gave the state a lot of latitude to address its concerns, saying the ruling would not go into effect until it filed its formal opinion in about 60 days. It all but implored Gov. Chris Christie and the legislature to take action in that time. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
http://www.njspotlight.com/
A little-know state council has found itself in the spotlight with its decision that New Jersey’s anti-bullying law represents an unfunded state mandate.
The question now: How is the legislature going to fix the problem? The Council on Local Mandates on Friday ruled that the new law laying out specific procedures and staffing in every school represented an unfunded requirement that is not permitted under the state constitution.
But the council gave the state a lot of latitude to address its concerns, saying the ruling would not go into effect until it filed its formal opinion in about 60 days. It all but implored Gov. Chris Christie and the legislature to take action in that time. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
http://www.njspotlight.com/
Friday, January 27, 2012
Anti-bullying law imposes unfunded mandate on N.J. school districts, state body rules
Anti-bullying law imposes unfunded mandate on N.J. school districts, state body rules
Friday January 27, 2012, 2:46 PM
BY LESLIE BRODY
STAFF WRITER
The Record
The Council on Local Mandates decided Friday that the state’s new anti-bullying law is an unfunded mandate, and the Legislature must come up with money to fund its provisions if lawmakers want it to remain in effect.
The council’s ruling means that if the Legislature does not come up with the money by the time the council’s formal decision is issued – likely within 60 days – the law will expire, the council’s chairman, John Sweeney, said.
Officials from the small, rural Allamuchy district, which educates 440 students, argued that the anti-bullying law was an unfunded mandate, and sought $20,000 to cover the costs of compliance, including staff time for extra paperwork, training and counseling for victims.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/Anti-bullying_law_imposes_unfunded_mandate_on_NJ_school_districts_state_body_rules.html
Friday January 27, 2012, 2:46 PM
BY LESLIE BRODY
STAFF WRITER
The Record
The Council on Local Mandates decided Friday that the state’s new anti-bullying law is an unfunded mandate, and the Legislature must come up with money to fund its provisions if lawmakers want it to remain in effect.
The council’s ruling means that if the Legislature does not come up with the money by the time the council’s formal decision is issued – likely within 60 days – the law will expire, the council’s chairman, John Sweeney, said.
Officials from the small, rural Allamuchy district, which educates 440 students, argued that the anti-bullying law was an unfunded mandate, and sought $20,000 to cover the costs of compliance, including staff time for extra paperwork, training and counseling for victims.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/Anti-bullying_law_imposes_unfunded_mandate_on_NJ_school_districts_state_body_rules.html
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Herald News: Show patience with bullying law
Herald News: Show patience with bullying law
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2012
HERALD NEWS
UST five months into one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the nation, some schools want out.
Onerous paperwork, long hours and cost are several reasons cited by the Ridgewood and River Vale school districts, which are supporting a Warren County school district's move to have the law overturned.
By all accounts the new requirements are overly time-consuming. Since time also means money, the hit taken by school budgets can be far more than just the cost of running anti-bullying programs. The law didn't come with any extra funding, however, and schools are bucking what they see as yet another unfunded mandate.
Their distress is understandable, especially since their spending is now restricted by the new 2 percent property tax cap. But not even half a year has elapsed since the law went into effect, and it is simply too early to throw it out entirely. The wiser course is to wait out the year, and then make specific, data-driven suggestions to lawmakers about the best ways to adjust the legislation.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/137337903_Show_some_patience_with_bullying_law.html
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2012
HERALD NEWS
UST five months into one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the nation, some schools want out.
Onerous paperwork, long hours and cost are several reasons cited by the Ridgewood and River Vale school districts, which are supporting a Warren County school district's move to have the law overturned.
By all accounts the new requirements are overly time-consuming. Since time also means money, the hit taken by school budgets can be far more than just the cost of running anti-bullying programs. The law didn't come with any extra funding, however, and schools are bucking what they see as yet another unfunded mandate.
Their distress is understandable, especially since their spending is now restricted by the new 2 percent property tax cap. But not even half a year has elapsed since the law went into effect, and it is simply too early to throw it out entirely. The wiser course is to wait out the year, and then make specific, data-driven suggestions to lawmakers about the best ways to adjust the legislation.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/137337903_Show_some_patience_with_bullying_law.html
Friday, January 13, 2012
Ridgewood and River Vale districts fighting bully law
Ridgewood and River Vale districts fighting bully law
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012
BY PATRICIA ALEX
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
Two Bergen County school districts have filed resolutions in support of a complaint that seeks to have the state's new anti-bullying legislation set aside, arguing that it is an unfunded mandate that has created a "significant drain" of time and money.
The Ridgewood and River Vale districts are supporting a complaint filed with the Council on Local Mandates by the Allamuchy school district in Warren County. The council, which has the power to declare legislation unconstitutional, and thereby void, has scheduled a hearing on the matter for Jan. 27.
The law, considered to be the toughest of its kind in the nation, was enacted last year, and school districts began implementing it in September. The legislation expanded the definition of bullying and mandated a strict timeline for dealing with incidents that happen both inside and outside of school.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/137252293_2_districts_fighting_bully_law.html
Thursday, January 12, 2012
School Districts Oppose Anti-Bullying Law as an Unfunded Mandate
School Districts Oppose Anti-Bullying Law as an Unfunded Mandate
Rutgers' coalition of concerned students joins with state to oppose challenge
By John Mooney, January 12, 2012 in Education
A small Warren County school district's legal challenge to the state's controversial anti-bullying law – or at least the cost of it – has drawn supporters and opponents to its argument, including a notable group of Rutgers students who take a "special interest" in the case.
Allamuchy's challenge before the state's Council on Local Mandates argues that the anti-bullying law enacted last year has amounted to an unfunded and therefore unconstitutional mandate, given all its requirements for training staff and investigating and addressing complaints.
The little-known council, established in 1996 to hear local complaints about unfunded mandates, is to hear arguments on January 27 in Trenton. Its decision is binding, with no avenue for appeal.
As expected, a few other school districts -- including Ridgewood -- have joined the case in making the arguments that the law has become an administrative burden.
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0111/2359/
Rutgers' coalition of concerned students joins with state to oppose challenge
By John Mooney, January 12, 2012 in Education
A small Warren County school district's legal challenge to the state's controversial anti-bullying law – or at least the cost of it – has drawn supporters and opponents to its argument, including a notable group of Rutgers students who take a "special interest" in the case.
Allamuchy's challenge before the state's Council on Local Mandates argues that the anti-bullying law enacted last year has amounted to an unfunded and therefore unconstitutional mandate, given all its requirements for training staff and investigating and addressing complaints.
The little-known council, established in 1996 to hear local complaints about unfunded mandates, is to hear arguments on January 27 in Trenton. Its decision is binding, with no avenue for appeal.
As expected, a few other school districts -- including Ridgewood -- have joined the case in making the arguments that the law has become an administrative burden.
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0111/2359/
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Anti Bullying law is another knee-jerk reaction to an unfortunate suicide by a legislator looking for a pat on the back
The Anti Bullying law is another knee-jerk reaction to an unfortunate suicide by a legislator looking for a pat on the back
HIB is another nail in the coffin to preparing kids to stand up for themselves and learning about the adult world where there are no such protections.
This law is another knee-jerk reaction to an unfortunate suicide by a legislator looking for a pat on the back by yuppie parents who want the state to help raise their children.
Do your kids a favor, teach them to fight for themselves and stand-up to what they believe instead of letting them take it and expecting others to take care of the problem for them. Were raising a bunch of wusses who are going to get trampled on come college by kids who grew up without such protections, like YOU AND I did growing up.
HIB is another nail in the coffin to preparing kids to stand up for themselves and learning about the adult world where there are no such protections.
This law is another knee-jerk reaction to an unfortunate suicide by a legislator looking for a pat on the back by yuppie parents who want the state to help raise their children.
Do your kids a favor, teach them to fight for themselves and stand-up to what they believe instead of letting them take it and expecting others to take care of the problem for them. Were raising a bunch of wusses who are going to get trampled on come college by kids who grew up without such protections, like YOU AND I did growing up.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
New bullying law stirs up complaints from Educators
New bullying law stirs up complaints from Educators
Marlboro K-8 school board adds voice to growing discontent with legislation
BY JACK MURTHA Staff Writer
Finding inspiration in the actions of two other school districts, members of the Marlboro K-8 School District Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution taking issue with provisions required by New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
The board took the action at its meeting on Dec. 19.
Through the resolution, the Marlboro board members announced their support for the Allamuchy School District (Warren County) Board of Education’s attempt to nullify the new law by claiming it is an unfunded mandate handed down by the state Legislature to New Jersey’s school districts.
The Legislature has not provided any financial support for costs that may be associated with complying with the law, according to school district officials.
“We don’t disagree with the fact that we need to aggressively deal with harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) and we will continue to do that,” Marlboro Superintendent of Schools David Abbott said. “(The Legislature) passed a law without providing the proper support that we will need to deal with all of the requirements.”
Financial pressures related to the need for anti-bullying positions to be created placed the school district in a difficult spot, Abbott said. He said the law called for the board to designate one district anti-bullying coordinator, plus an anti-bullying specialist in each school.
The board’s resolution said the district must pay members of school safety teams, including anti-bullying specialists, coordinators and appointed teachers, annual stipends that will not be covered by the state. Additional services will require an unknown amount of funding, according to the resolution.
http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2011-12-28/Front_Page/New_bullying_law_stirs_up_complaints.html
Marlboro K-8 school board adds voice to growing discontent with legislation
BY JACK MURTHA Staff Writer
Finding inspiration in the actions of two other school districts, members of the Marlboro K-8 School District Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution taking issue with provisions required by New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
The board took the action at its meeting on Dec. 19.
Through the resolution, the Marlboro board members announced their support for the Allamuchy School District (Warren County) Board of Education’s attempt to nullify the new law by claiming it is an unfunded mandate handed down by the state Legislature to New Jersey’s school districts.
The Legislature has not provided any financial support for costs that may be associated with complying with the law, according to school district officials.
“We don’t disagree with the fact that we need to aggressively deal with harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) and we will continue to do that,” Marlboro Superintendent of Schools David Abbott said. “(The Legislature) passed a law without providing the proper support that we will need to deal with all of the requirements.”
Financial pressures related to the need for anti-bullying positions to be created placed the school district in a difficult spot, Abbott said. He said the law called for the board to designate one district anti-bullying coordinator, plus an anti-bullying specialist in each school.
The board’s resolution said the district must pay members of school safety teams, including anti-bullying specialists, coordinators and appointed teachers, annual stipends that will not be covered by the state. Additional services will require an unknown amount of funding, according to the resolution.
http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2011-12-28/Front_Page/New_bullying_law_stirs_up_complaints.html
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
N.J.’s anti-bullying law gets slow start as school violence grows
N.J.’s anti-bullying law gets slow start as school violence grows
Bullying can happen anywhere, anyplace or anytime. Whether bullies choose to taunt face-to-face, by text message or over the internet, it is not limited by age, gender, or education.
Law enforcement officials as well as educators agree it is neither a phase some young people may experience, nor a joke. Experts say bullying can cause lasting harm when not stopped in its tracks, where young bullies in the schoolyard can grow-up to be big bullies in the workplace.
Despite the Garden State’s latest efforts to fight back against bullies with a stronger anti-bullying law that took effect in September, its public schools reported an increase in violence as well as drug, weapons and alcohol abuse. (Sammarco, New Jersey Newsroom)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Ridgefield looks to create anti-bullying ordinance
Ridgefield looks to create anti-bullying ordinance
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011
BY MONSY ALVARADO
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
RIDGEFIELD — The borough could soon become the first town in the state to adopt an ordinance to prevent bullying and harassment in local recreation sports programs, at the library and on other municipal-owned property.
"We should all be making sure that anti-bullying will be implemented for all municipal practices," said Mayor Anthony Suarez, who proposed the law to the council last week. "We are going to start with what schools are doing and pull that into our local ordinance, and expand it to all levels of our town."
Borough Attorney Stephen Pellino has been asked by Suarez to craft the ordinance, which could be ready for introduction as early as the Borough Council's reorganization meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 6.
New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, which was implemented in schools statewide in September, will be used as a reference for the local ordinance, Pellino said. The ordinance will establish an educational policy against bullying, training for employees, raise awareness and contain mechanisms to address bullying incidents, he said.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/135843388_Ridgefield_says_stop_bullying.html
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011
BY MONSY ALVARADO
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
RIDGEFIELD — The borough could soon become the first town in the state to adopt an ordinance to prevent bullying and harassment in local recreation sports programs, at the library and on other municipal-owned property.
"We should all be making sure that anti-bullying will be implemented for all municipal practices," said Mayor Anthony Suarez, who proposed the law to the council last week. "We are going to start with what schools are doing and pull that into our local ordinance, and expand it to all levels of our town."
Borough Attorney Stephen Pellino has been asked by Suarez to craft the ordinance, which could be ready for introduction as early as the Borough Council's reorganization meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 6.
New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, which was implemented in schools statewide in September, will be used as a reference for the local ordinance, Pellino said. The ordinance will establish an educational policy against bullying, training for employees, raise awareness and contain mechanisms to address bullying incidents, he said.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/135843388_Ridgefield_says_stop_bullying.html
Monday, November 07, 2011
New Jersey’s anti-bullying law:This is government way over reaching and is surely unconstitutional
New Jersey’s anti-bullying law:This is government way over reaching and is surely unconstitutional
"The legislation enacted last spring -- considered by some as the toughest in a slew of anti-bullying laws sweeping the country -- requires that districts follow strict protocols to prevent, identify, and address complaints of harassment and bullying both in and outside school." NJSpotlight.com
And what pray tell does the school have to do with what goes on outside of its confines and hours of operation? This is government way over reaching and is surely unconstitutional. Just another example of the creeping nanny state. If we are not vigilant, we will soon be living in Orwell's Animal Farm.
"The legislation enacted last spring -- considered by some as the toughest in a slew of anti-bullying laws sweeping the country -- requires that districts follow strict protocols to prevent, identify, and address complaints of harassment and bullying both in and outside school." NJSpotlight.com
And what pray tell does the school have to do with what goes on outside of its confines and hours of operation? This is government way over reaching and is surely unconstitutional. Just another example of the creeping nanny state. If we are not vigilant, we will soon be living in Orwell's Animal Farm.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
New anti-bullying bill of rights raises concerns
New anti-bullying bill of rights raises concerns
BAYONNE, NJ (WABC) -- Robert Jones, 11, of Bayonne, NJ, got into an argument after school on the playground. Several were children were involved but only one shoved him to the ground, 12-year old Liam Johnson.
"They were like pushing me and not letting me leave and tugging at my bike," Robert explains.
When asked about what happened, Liam said it was unfair to call him a bully. Following the confrontation, Johnson was suspended at school and punished at home. But that was not the end of it.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_jersey&id=8413364
BAYONNE, NJ (WABC) -- Robert Jones, 11, of Bayonne, NJ, got into an argument after school on the playground. Several were children were involved but only one shoved him to the ground, 12-year old Liam Johnson.
"They were like pushing me and not letting me leave and tugging at my bike," Robert explains.
When asked about what happened, Liam said it was unfair to call him a bully. Following the confrontation, Johnson was suspended at school and punished at home. But that was not the end of it.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_jersey&id=8413364
Monday, November 29, 2010
Legislation rapidly passed is trouble, especially if it's named for somebody.
Legislation rapidly passed is trouble, especially if it's named for somebody.
Haste can lead to flawed bills
Legislation rapidly passed is trouble, especially if it's named for somebody. The recent New Jersey bill about bullying wasn't named for an individual, but a well-publicized suicide gave it urgency and emotional impact and the rush may have caused it to be flawed. (Ingle, Daily Record)
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20101128/OPINION03/101126119/1096/OPINION/Haste+can+lead+to+flawed+bills
Haste can lead to flawed bills
Legislation rapidly passed is trouble, especially if it's named for somebody. The recent New Jersey bill about bullying wasn't named for an individual, but a well-publicized suicide gave it urgency and emotional impact and the rush may have caused it to be flawed. (Ingle, Daily Record)
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20101128/OPINION03/101126119/1096/OPINION/Haste+can+lead+to+flawed+bills
Friday, November 19, 2010
Are Ridgewood Schools a place where some of the kids in Ridgewood get the idea that they can freely criticize and bully others
Are Ridgewood Schools a place where some of the kids in Ridgewood get the idea that they can freely criticize and bully others
I can see where some of the kids in Ridgewood get the idea that they can freely criticize and bully others.
You should examine his/her own cruel attacks and why he/she feels comfortable making fun of a teen on this blog. We are talking about a child here - 16 years old. You should not post hurtful opinions about him to make your point. Get help before your kids adopt your insensitive mind. Really? You did not like his choice of Halloween Costume? Grow up.
Sadly this post reveals, once again, there are bullies, who call themselves teachers, right here in Ridgewood! I wish Matt would out the teacher(s) that participated in the taunts against him. Past posts on this blog have openly discussed the names of bullies who are being paid big dollars to teach our kids! How can anyone expect kids to reject bullying when over and over teachers lead the charge.
Out the teacher bullies and fire them. The same teachers are complained about every year for the bullying tactics they use against our kids! I hope Matt Zimmer reads this and I hope he names the teacher(s)!
I can see where some of the kids in Ridgewood get the idea that they can freely criticize and bully others.
You should examine his/her own cruel attacks and why he/she feels comfortable making fun of a teen on this blog. We are talking about a child here - 16 years old. You should not post hurtful opinions about him to make your point. Get help before your kids adopt your insensitive mind. Really? You did not like his choice of Halloween Costume? Grow up.
Sadly this post reveals, once again, there are bullies, who call themselves teachers, right here in Ridgewood! I wish Matt would out the teacher(s) that participated in the taunts against him. Past posts on this blog have openly discussed the names of bullies who are being paid big dollars to teach our kids! How can anyone expect kids to reject bullying when over and over teachers lead the charge.
Out the teacher bullies and fire them. The same teachers are complained about every year for the bullying tactics they use against our kids! I hope Matt Zimmer reads this and I hope he names the teacher(s)!
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