School District Challenges NJ’s Anti-Bullying Law

A northern New Jersey school district wants the state to pay the district to enforce New Jersey's anti-bullying law.

The Allamuchy Township school district in Warren County has filed a complaint with the state's Council on Local Mandates. The district says the law would cost $6,000 for training this year and requires it to create new titles, such as anti-bullying coordinator.

The state says the law is not an unfunded mandate and schools can fulfill the requirements without additional costs.

The law tightened existing measures to require anti-bullying programs and policies in public schools.

State School Boards Association spokesman Frank Belluscio tells The Star-Ledger of Newark it would be a significant development if the council finds the law is an unfunded mandate.

A hearing is scheduled for Friday.

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