MORRIS COUNTY — The Mount Olive School District has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of its students, staff, and the broader school community, earning recognition as the safest school district in Morris County. With 41 school districts within Morris County, Mount Olive has emerged as a distinguished leader, consistently surpassing expectations in its dedication to fostering a secure and supportive educational environment. This accomplishment results from concerted efforts under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Sumit Bangia, with strong support from Director of Security James Carifi, the school board, dedicated teachers, and the entire Mount Olive community of parents and staff members.
At the heart of the district’s achievements is its robust framework, which serves a student body of 4,789 across six schools—Sandshore Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Chester M. Stephens Elementary, Tinc Road School, Mount Olive Middle School, and Mount Olive High School. The district employs a dedicated staff of 1,076 individuals working together to create a nurturing, safe, and enriching educational experience. Mount Olive’s mission is unequivocal: to provide every student with a safe and supportive learning environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, all while being encouraged to become ethical, literate, and engaged global citizens.
Dr. Sumit Bangia, who assumed the role of Superintendent in 2022, has been instrumental in advancing the district’s security measures. Dr. Bangia has continuously worked to improve and strengthen the district’s security infrastructure in response to the evolving challenges surrounding school safety. Working closely with Director of Security James Carifi, the district has established an exemplary security team comprised of 21 full-time personnel, including 20 armed retired law enforcement officers who are trained to handle the unique challenges presented in a school setting. These security officers are stationed at every school in the district during operational and evening hours, providing a constant, visible presence to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
Beyond typical school hours, the security team remains active, safeguarding district events, recreational programs, and external activities organized by the school community. Every school, bus, and district facility has state-of-the-art security cameras and access control systems to monitor and manage entry points. The district also utilizes visitor scanning systems at all schools to ensure that only authorized individuals can access school premises. Full-time Mt. Olive Police School Resource Officers (SROs) are assigned to Mount Olive High School and Mount Olive Middle School, further strengthening the district’s security infrastructure.
In line with the district’s commitment to comprehensive security, all personnel involved in school safety undergo rigorous and ongoing training in a wide range of topics. This includes everything from cyberbullying prevention and gang awareness to active shooter training and de-escalation techniques. Additionally, staff receive specialized instruction on various safety protocols such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), suicide prevention, sexual harassment, conflict resolution, AED (Automated External Defibrillators) training, BTAM (Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management) training, and first aid training (Paul’s Law). They are also trained in more specific areas like using force, vaping in schools, LGBTQ+ awareness, student behavior management, and recognizing seizures, ensuring they are fully equipped to handle various situations that could arise in the school environment.
The district also places a high premium on preparedness and crisis management. In April 2024, Mount Olive School District conducted a full-scale reunification drill designed to simulate students’ and parents’ safe and efficient reunion following an emergency evacuation. The drill, which was organized and implemented by Security Director Carifi, involved 200 students—including those from the district’s special education community—and was observed by 85 officials from schools and the law enforcement community from across New Jersey. Participants witnessed firsthand the district’s ability to execute an organized, effective reunification plan. The drill incorporated the coordination of emergency services personnel, mental health counselors, first aid responders, and technology staff. Remarkably, all 200 students were safely and efficiently reunited with their parents and guardians within just 67 minutes of arriving at the reunification site, demonstrating the district’s thorough preparation and commitment to swift and safe emergency response.
The district’s commitment to safety doesn’t stop there. Mount Olive’s security personnel participate in annual retraining sessions, ensuring they remain updated on the latest safety protocols and best practices. Security officers are also equipped with portable radios that allow for immediate communication with local law enforcement and other staff members at different schools within the district. This system enhances coordination during critical incidents and allows for rapid response.
As a result of these ongoing efforts and the district’s holistic approach to school safety, the Mount Olive School District continues to stand as a model for others to follow. Its achievements in security and preparedness have earned it recognition as the leading district for school safety in Morris County, with Mount Olive consistently setting the standard for other districts to emulate. Through its comprehensive approach to security, Mount Olive remains a shining example of how a school district can prioritize the safety and well-being of its students while providing an exceptional educational experience. Director Carifi said that this recognition is attributed to the dedication of the Mt. Olive Board of Education, its employees, and the security staff.
