SCHOOL DISTRICT VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM DOWN, BUT NOT EVERYWHERE

Incidents of violence and vandalism at South Orange Maplewood Schools are down this past year from the previous year, according to a report issued last week by the district.

Statistics (below) reveal there were 216 reports of violence, vandalism and related offenses at the district's schools, down from 244 the previous year. 

But the number is still among the highest in the past 10 years, according to stats that indicate there were only 150 incidents in 2012-2013, 180 in 2011-2012 and just 93 in 2010-2011.

The numbers are somewhat inflated as incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) were not reported until 2012-2013.

While violence incidents were down this past year, from 105 to 95, and vandalism was almost cut in half, from 67 to 34, weapons and substance abuse incidents were up.

See the stats below:

On a school-by-school basis, Columbia High School had the most incidents with 90, followed by Maplewood Middle School at 53.

Seth Boyden had the most incidents among elementary schools with 28, and 26 of those from violence. Seth Boyden even topped South Orange Middle School, which had 25 total incidents.

Clinton School was next with 12, while all of the other elementary schools had five incidents or less each.

See those stats below: