Where the Candidates Stand On Mental Health and HIBs

All RIH BOE candidates claim to support student mental health and to be against bullying.

Audrey Souders, Melissa Kiel and Jared Geist align with the rogue Board members that voted to defund critical mental health programs for students this summer, and are supported by groups that do not agree with providing mental health supports to children in schools. Audrey Souders is on record coming to RIH Board meetings asking many questions about the cost of these programs, leading one to think that if elected she might take issue with these programs as well.

Attached video shows the rogue Board members attacks on mental health programs, in one case comparing providing mental health supports in schools to providing dental care for a toothache, and some of Audrey Souders many questions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90kKhxrMv7s

Audrey Souders, Melissa Kiel and Jared Geist also align with the rogue Board members who overturned the Superintendent’s recommendations regarding Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (“HIBs”) recommendations early this year. The investigation process for HIB cases is regulated by NJ law, potentially opening the district to legal liability if the overturns were to be challenged by either the victim or the alleged persecutor. The fact of the matter is, it is up to the school administration to do a thorough investigation and recommend actions based in these cases. The overturning of the administration’s recommendations indicates a blanket disdain for the law and the work of the school professionals the Board employs.

Vivian King and Brian DeLaite have consistently supported students and the school professionals on matters of both mental health and harassment intimidation and bullying, consistently voting yes to continuing mental health supports and supporting HIB recommendations.

Protect students. Vote King Eilert and DeLaite.