Public comment: parents raise bullying-reporting numbers and urge support for girls’ soccer and field-house repairs

Community members used the public-comment period at the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education meeting on June 16 to raise concerns about the district’s reported incidents and to advocate for continued athletic opportunities for girls.

Liz Hart, a West Caldwell resident, asked about the HIP/HIB report for September–December 2024 and said she had compared the numbers year over year, noting the high school’s incidents “more than doubled” and confirmed harassment, intimidation and bullying incidents increased. She asked whether the board or district plans additional trainings or interventions to reduce those numbers. The board president replied that administration — specifically the superintendent — oversees such operational matters, recommended emailing the outgoing superintendent for details and suggested contacting incoming superintendent Dr. Furnari after July 1 for follow-up.

Separately, Angela Wilson, a parent, urged the board to “keep our girls in the game,” asking the district to prioritize making space for a freshman girls’ soccer team so a tight-knit group of players can continue together. Wilson said the group had been recognized by NJ Gotham’s Keep Her in the Game program and that several players would not necessarily make varsity or JV but wanted one more year together at the freshman level.

Board members said the issue had been raised in a shared-services meeting and that Dr. Furnari heard the concern; a board member said the item was on the new superintendent’s follow-up list. The board gave no guarantee but said it would pursue follow-up and that administration had been asked to investigate.

Hart also asked for updates on the field-house project and a separate middle-school auditorium sound-system bid. Board members and staff said they expect field-house referendum materials and impact figures from Phoenix Advisors by the end of the summer and reiterated the district’s priority to address health-and-safety concerns at the field house first. On the GCMS sound system, the board said the district had rejected a high bid and that addressing the middle-school audio will follow once higher-priority facility work is complete and funding is available.

Speakers were advised that not all issues raised during public comment will be resolved at the meeting and that administration may be directed to investigate and report back.