Fewer Instances of Violence, Vandalism Reported in Summit Schools

The Summit Public School district had few reported instances of Violence, Vandalism, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying during the 2012-13 school year than were reported in the previous year, according to Violence and Vandalism date released by the state on Thursday.

The report documents self-reported incidents of violence in each district. Overall, the total number of incidents (violence, bullying, etc.) in New Jersey schools plummeted by 19 percent from the previous year, led by a 36 percent drop in the number of bullying incidents reported.

Overall violence in New Jersey schools was down 4 percent year-over-year.

In the Summit district, while enrollment was up by 74 students, reported acts of violence dropped by one incident. Reported acts of vandalism dropped by 20 percent from 25 to 20 year-over-year. Reported cases of harrassment, intimidation and bullying were down 50 percent, from 28 reported in the 2011-2012 school year to 14 in the 2012-2013 year. Weapons reported was also cut in half, down from 2 instances to 1. The only area where reported incidents increased was in the substance abuse category, which rose from 5 in the 2011-2012 school year to 8 in the 2012-2013 year. Six of the 8 occurred at Summit High School, with 3 described as "confirmed use" and the other 3 as "possession." Two incidents occurred at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and both involved "confirmed use." 

Overall, reported instances declined from 72 to 60 in the Summit district. Summit public schools Superintendent Dr. Nathan Parker was not immediately available for comment. 

To view the 9 most violent school districts, click here.