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Politics & Government

Anti-Bullying Law Has Run Out of Money

In an effort to find the mandated program, schools districts have been awarded some grant money -- but not much.

 

A new article on NJ Spotlight.com says New Jersey’s controversial Anti-Bullying law has run out of money.

The ground-breaking law, considered one of the toughest in the country for its strict rules to investigate and closely track accusations of bullying, has drawn criticism this year for being an "unfunded mandate." 

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Though $1 million was awarded last week to more than 370 districts, the grants were essentially a fifth of what each district requested, according to the article.

Still, the state did appropriate $158,000 for the hiring of two anti-bullying specialists in the state Department of Education to help conduct staff training, and a spokesman did not rule out the possibility that additional funds would be awarded in the future.

Find out what's happening in West Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We are working to identify resources available to districts and schools to support their work in implementing the law,” said Justin Barra, the department’s communications director.

He said the new task force, made up of members appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, would have its first meeting on July 26.

To read more on this story, click on NJ Spotlight.com.

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