A New Jersey superintendent resigned after disclosing personal details about a 14-year-old high school student who committed suicide earlier this month.
Adriana Kuch died on February 3, just days after she was battered by fellow pupils in school while others filmed the assault on tape, according to her family.
The death of the freshman ignited a wave of demonstrations around the Jersey Shore in the Central Regional School District. It also prompted inquiries over the district’s response and whether the administration had taken sufficient measures to prevent bullying.
Michael Kuch has stated on social media and in public interviews that his daughter committed suicide due to bullying. He held school authorities accountable for not doing enough to prevent abusive conduct.
Kuch stated to NBC New York, “They categorically refuse to protect our children.” Why would anyone want to put their children there?
Adriana Kuch was born in Toledo, Ohio, but her family travelled frequently due to her father’s military service. Seven years ago, they migrated to Bayville, New Jersey. According to her relatives, Kuch was a nature enthusiast and animal lover. Additionally, she enjoyed assisting youngsters with special needs, jogging with her brothers, and other outdoor activities.
Superintendent Resigns Shortly After Comments to The Press
Superintendent of the Central Regional School District Triantafillos Parlapanides wrote in an email to the Daily Mail on Friday that the school had offered Kuch drug counselling, but that her father had declined.
The Board of Education of the district announced the acceptance of Parlapanides’ resignation one day later.
Michael Kuch earlier stated to the Daily Mail that he and his wife had sought assistance from the school because Adriana was using a vape pen to use marijuana.
Kuch stated to the newspaper in reaction to Parlapanides’ emails, “I do not know how to answer to this insanity.”
According to a statement on the district’s website, “Central Regional family continues to mourn the loss of one of our children” and “we are all praying for the family and loved ones, as well as our entire community.”
Four adolescents have been charged in this case by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office: one with aggravated assault, two with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and one with harassment. All four adolescents and their legal guardians were served with copies of their respective complaints and freed pending future court appearances.
Bradley D. Billhimer, prosecutor of Ocean County, told NPR in an email that he met with protesting students at the school last week and offered to meet with them to discuss their concerns. Billhimer also stated that he has visited with school district officials, including Parlapanides prior to his resignation, to explore how the district can better respond to occurrences at the school and provide students with programming and services that match their needs.
Saturday, Governor Phil Murphy and his wife expressed their sympathies to Kuch’s family and friends. Murphy stated, “Every student should feel comfortable and supported wherever they are.”
The Central Regional School District has asked the state Department of Education for a review of its anti-bullying rules and has announced that it is investigating all current and prior claims of bullying.
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