Superintendent resigns after student takes her own life

BAYVILLE, N. J. – Four students have been charged and a school district superintendent has resigned after a recorded attack against a 14- yearold New Jersey student in the hallway of her school spread on social media in the days before her family says she took her own life.

One juvenile was charged with aggravated assault, two were charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and one was charged with harassment, prosecutors in Ocean County, New Jersey, said Saturday.

All four juveniles and their guardians were given copies of the complaints and they were released pending future court appearances, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in an email Saturday.

The family of Adriana O. Kuch found her body on Feb. 3, two days after her beating beside school lockers at Central Regional High School in Bayville, her father has said.

The Central Regional School District announced Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides’ resignation Saturday, but did not immediately provide any additional information.

The district said in a statement that it “is evaluating all current and past allegations of bullying.”

Her father, Michael Kuch, told WNBC Adriana had been hit with a 20ounce ( 0.56 liter) water bottle. She received care from the school nurse for bruises and wounds.

“I do know why it happened,” he said. “It happened because these two haven’t liked each other for a couple years, and she had been threatening my daughter online.”

Adriana was born in Toledo, Ohio, and moved to Bayville seven years ago, according to her obituary. She was described as an animal lover and a girl who helped those with special needs.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.