DelVal presents midyear report: 17 HIB investigations, school leaders emphasize prevention and support

The Delaware Valley Regional High School District reported 17 harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) investigations for the Aug.–Jan. reporting period, of which 8 were found to be founded and 9 unfounded, administrators told the board.

At the meeting Michael Hayes, principal of the high school, introduced the midyear review and a school safety specialist presented the data, saying the modest increase in total investigations likely reflects more effective reporting channels rather than a sharp rise in incidents. "When we see numbers tick up like that, part of that is seen as a success — individuals are reporting instances when they think they see it," the presenter said.

Why it matters: Board members pressed for clarity on trends and communications to families. Administrators said the district will provide comparative year‑to‑date figures on request and explained that state guidance dictates timelines for investigations and communications with parents.

District officials outlined the range of responses used after an investigation is completed: counseling, remediation, and discipline where appropriate. They emphasized supports for both alleged victims and alleged offenders and described efforts to avoid repeat incidents, including weekly HIB team meetings and updated remediation resources for vendors and departments.

Presenters described prevention work under way: expanded programming during freshmen orientation (OASIS), health classes, peer‑leader activities, student leadership summits, and a proposal for tiered class programming that would deliver age‑appropriate instruction from freshman through senior year. The district also plans to add HIB protocol training to substitute‑teacher orientation so temporary staff are informed about reporting requirements and supports.

Board members asked how parents are being informed and what follow‑up families receive during an investigation. Administrators said they aim to provide clear explanations of reporting timelines and procedures and offered to provide more detailed period‑to‑period comparative data at a later meeting.

The board requested that the administration deliver the comparative investigation counts and a brief on how remediation and supports were applied in founded cases. The board did not take formal action on the report; the discussion concluded with a commitment to return with additional data.