Parents, educators plead with legislators for fixes after Central Regional student's death

TRENTON — The death of Central Regional High School student Adriana Kuch, who was allegedly bullied and harassed online, took center stage Thursday at a state Senate committee hearing on teen mental health issues where experts declared “students are in crisis.”

Education Committee Chair Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, called the hearing following Kuch’s suicide, which has created an emotional discussion of mental health issues and an uproar over alleged bullying in New Jersey schools. The hearing drew several Shore education leaders and suicide prevention experts who said student mental health issues are worsening.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults in the United States,” Gopal said prior to the hearing. “The pandemic and an increase in cyberbullying have driven a concerning spike in teen depression and feelings of isolation.”

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Among those who spoke at the hearing was Howell Superintendent Joseph Isola, who revealed that two of his students had been hospitalized in recent weeks due to suicide attempts.

“I will plead with you all to prioritize this issue,” Isola testified, urging that more funds be provided for local districts to respond to mental health issues that can lead to suicide. “We can channel those funds directly into support for our students.”

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Isola then cited the overdose death of his niece, Melissa, whom he said was driven to an opioid addiction after years of depression and “struggle to form genuine relationships.”

“Melissa’s struggle ended with an overdose in her home, with loving parents, who are well-educated,” Isola said about the 17-year-old. “I want you to grasp that mental health has no boundaries.”

The new focus on teen suicide and bullying was prompted by Kuch, a 14-year-old high school freshman who died by suicide Feb. 3. Her family contends her death was due, in part, to an in-school attack on her that was recorded and spread quickly on the internet.

More:Lawsuit filed months ago details bullying issues at Shore school before teen died

The Asbury Park Press typically does not name teenage victims of suicide. The newspaper is now identifying her because her family is unopposed and her name is being attached to a movement to prevent bullying and suicide.

Since her death, numerous current and former Central Regional students have revealed their own experiences as victims of both physical attacks and online harassment.

Central Regional, meanwhile, has announced a steering committee would be formed to review school policies and said a review of the district cell phone policy and other rules is being conducted.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office charged four juveniles in connection with the attack on Kuch prior to her death.

One juvenile is charged with aggravated assault, two are charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and another is charged with harassment.

Kuch’s father, Michael, was not in attendance at the two-hour hearing Thursday. No officials from Central Regional School officials were present.

More:Anger, anguish erupt as Central Regional community confronts BOE on bullying

Gopal said they were not asked to attend, citing the ongoing internal issues at the district, which has offered few comments and hired a public relations firm to handle outside inquiries.

“It is appropriate to wait for the whole legal system to occur there,” Gopal said after the hearing. “That is still a law enforcement issue, they have a lot of emotions going on there.”

But other Shore educators and mental health advocates testified before the committee, urging them to improve funding for suicide prevention programs and do more to offer support for those in crisis.

Iona Leslie, a Red Bank Regional High School senior, relayed the story of a friend who was suicidal two years ago and received help from that school’s youth services center, dubbed The Source.

“In my sophomore year of high school I had one of my dearest friends come to me and tell me they had attempted suicide,” Leslie said. “This is one of the most terrifying things I had ever heard. I was not prepared for this issue and my friend didn’t even go to Red Bank Regional High School, but The Source was able to help her.”

Rose Acerra, federal legislative chair of the New Jersey state PTA, said more such resources are needed in local schools.

“Students need a support network to know that someone is there for them,” she told the committee. “It is critical to recognize and address how mental health symptoms are recognized and managed.”

Dr. Eric Alcera of Hackensack Meridian Health noted in his own testimony that mental health emergency room visits by youngsters had increased 49% since COVID.

The hearing ended with no specific plans or proposals, but Gopal said the state needs to conduct an assessment of mental health options currently available in Garden State schools to better know what changes are needed.

“We have a lot of work ahead,” Gopal said. “We look forward to working on it in the weeks ahead.”

Joe Strupp is an award-winning journalist with 30 years’ experience who covers education and several local communities for APP.com and the Asbury Park Press. He is also the author of three books, including Killing Journalism on the state of the news media, and an adjunct media professor at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Reach him at jstrupp@gannettnj.com and at 732-413-3840. Follow him on Twitter at @joestrupp

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Educators plea for legislative help after Central Regional teen death