A Morris County school district says it didn't ignore the concerns of a family who claim their 12-year-old daughter's suicide was caused by bullying.
The family of Mallory Grossman filed a notice of intent to sue the district last week.
They claim school officials ignored repeated efforts to address the bullying. Grossman took her own life in June.
On Thursday, Rockaway Township school officials released a statement saying allegations they ignored the family and failed to address bullying in general are "categorically false."
“As this case is formally adjudicated, the District and its legal counsel are confident the public will recognize and appreciate its thoughtful and purposeful actions. Further, our counsel believes the actions of others in this case will also be viewed quite differently from that which is presently portrayed,” officials said in a statement posted on the
school district’s website.School officials say that they would like to further discuss the situation regarding Mallory Grossman, but have been asked not to by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office while the death is being investigated.
An attorney for the Grossman family has described texts and Snapchat messages from fellow students that were "vile and malicious," including one that told Grossman, "Why don't you kill yourself?"
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.