In a recent government meeting, officials presented the biannual report on student safety data for the 2023-2024 academic year, highlighting incidents of violence, substance abuse, and other altercations across local schools. The report, which covers two reporting periods—July 1 to December 31 and January 1 to June 30—provides a comprehensive overview of safety incidents within the district.

At Verona High School, a total of 20 incidents were reported during the second reporting period. This included five allegations of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIV), with four confirmed violations of the HIV policy. Notably, five incidents were categorized as preliminary determinations, meaning they were investigated but did not meet the legal definition of HIV. The school also recorded two fights, with no other incidents leading to student removals. Additionally, four students were confirmed to have violated substance policies, either through possession or refusal to be tested.

Whitehorn School reported 16 incidents, including three alleged and three confirmed HIV cases, alongside five physical altercations. There was one incident of violence, but no substance abuse cases were noted. In contrast, the elementary schools reported no incidents, although Atlantic Avenue School documented three instances of safe restraint involving students with disabilities.

Overall, the end-of-year data revealed 41 total incidents at Verona High School and 33 at Whitehorn, with no incidents reported at Brookdale and FNB. The report concluded with a call for questions, but no inquiries were raised by attendees. This data underscores ongoing efforts to monitor and improve student safety within the district.