Mantua’s school superintendent presented reports on school safety and anti-bullying measures in the district during a board of education meeting on June 23.
One report focused on self-assessments from each school under the state’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and the student safety data system. The self-examinations reveal bullying incidents from January to June in each school and how they were handled. For this year, the district earned a score of 77 out of 78 across all schools.
Another report revealed incidents of violence, vandalism, substance abuse and HIBs (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) in each school. Mantua saw 11 such incidents in the 2024-’25 school year, a decrease from last year’s 33.
Restraints were also down, with 34 from January to June this year; the 2024 number was 42. Seclusions – the isolation or removal of a student who poses a threat to themselves or others – were also taken into account; there were none in either year.
“As you can see,” Superintendent Christine Trampe said, “the trainings that we’ve been having and the professional development has been quite successful. One of our goals for the district this year was to decrease the number of harassments, intimidation and bullying incidents and we are excited to see that our hard work is paying off.”
The district provided three training sessions for staff to better understand bullying and safety reporting. Monthly HIB and suspension reports were also approved by all school board members, with the exception of Erica Atkinson, who took issue with them.
“I think these HIB reports are completely out of control and aren’t helping,” she explained of her decision. “I think back when I was a kid for instance, we didn’t have them, and things are getting out of control. We’re suspending kids and they’re missing presentations and graduations and everything else.”
The board of ed session was the last for this school year. Members will next meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, at Centre City Elementary School and focus on the 2025-’26 school year.
