SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY

Mount Olive School District Recognized as the Safest School District in Morris County

April 2nd, 2025

The Mount Olive Township School District has been recognized as the safest school district in Morris County, a testament to its unwavering commitment to student and staff security. With 41 school districts in the county, Mount Olive stands out as a leader in creating a safe and supportive educational environment.

This achievement is the result of dedicated efforts under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Sumit Bangia, with strong collaboration from Director of Security James Carifi, the Board of Education, staff, parents, and the broader school community. Their combined efforts have ensured that safety remains a top priority across the district’s six schools: Sandshore Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Chester M. Stephens Elementary, Tinc Road School, Mount Olive Middle School, and Mount Olive High School. Serving a student population of 4,789 and employing 1,076 staff members, the district is committed to fostering a secure and enriching learning atmosphere where students can thrive.

Under Dr. Bangia’s leadership since 2022, the district has continuously enhanced its security measures in response to the evolving challenges of school safety. Working closely with Director of Security James Carifi, the district has established a highly trained security team of 21 full-time personnel, including 20 armed retired law enforcement officers. These officers are stationed at every school during operational and evening hours, providing a visible and reassuring presence for students, staff, and visitors.

Security efforts extend beyond regular school hours. Officers monitor district events, recreational programs, and extracurricular activities to ensure safety at all times. Every school, bus, and district facility is equipped with state-of-the-art security cameras and access control systems. Additionally, visitor scanning systems are in place to ensure that only authorized individuals enter school premises. The district also benefits from full-time Mount Olive Police School Resource Officers (SROs) at Mount Olive High School and Mount Olive Middle School, further strengthening the security infrastructure.

To maintain a high standard of preparedness, all security personnel undergo rigorous and ongoing training. This training covers a wide range of topics, including cyberbullying prevention, gang awareness, active shooter response, de-escalation techniques, and student behavior management. Staff members also receive specialized instruction in FERPA regulations, suicide prevention, conflict resolution, AED training, Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), first aid, and additional topics such as vaping awareness and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. These continuous learning efforts ensure that security personnel are well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise within the school environment.

In April 2024, the district demonstrated its commitment to emergency preparedness by conducting a large-scale reunification drill. Organized by Director Carifi, the drill simulated the safe and efficient reunion of students with their parents following an emergency evacuation. The event involved 200 students, including those from the district’s special education programs, and was observed by 85 officials from schools and law enforcement agencies across New Jersey. The drill showcased the district’s ability to execute a well-organized, effective reunification plan, incorporating emergency services personnel, mental health counselors, first aid responders, and technology staff. Impressively, all 200 students were reunited with their families within just 67 minutes, demonstrating the district’s thorough preparation and efficiency in crisis response.

Mount Olive’s security personnel also participate in annual retraining sessions to stay current with the latest safety protocols. They are equipped with portable radios for immediate communication with local law enforcement and district staff, enhancing coordination and ensuring a rapid response during emergencies.

Through its proactive and comprehensive approach to safety, the Mount Olive School District continues to set the standard for school security in Morris County. This recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication of the Board of Education, district employees, and security staff, all of whom work tirelessly to prioritize the safety and well-being of students. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to security, Mount Olive remains a model for other districts, proving that a safe learning environment is fundamental to academic success and student development.