With the monthly harassment, bullying and intimidation (HIB) reports remaining consistently low, West Deptford Superintendent Kevin Kitchenman expects the district to have no trouble reaching its goal this year.

At Monday night’s school board meeting, Kitchenman cited only four cases for the month. Of those four, only one was found to be a violation of policy.

Kitchenman attributed the lower number of cases to better bully education for students and programs, such as Ryan’s Story and the presentation by Reggie Dabbs. In addition, Kitchenman said school counselors are regularly meeting with classes to educate and inform students.

“Our students have a better understanding of how to treat each other,” said Kitchenman. “They’re being kinder to each other.”

After the district’s middle school was placed on the warning list by the state of New Jersey for the 2011-12 school year, Kitchenman said the district has seen a dramatic drop in cases this year.

Halfway through the school year, the superintendent believes the district will be able to attain its goal by dropping the number of cases by 37 percent this year.

“We’re very happy in the progress we’ve made," he said. 

Do your kids report a better environment with less bullying in West Deptford schools? Tell us in the comments.