Report: Violence, Vandalism in Schools Up Slightly From Last Year

Incidents of violence and vandalism in Jefferson Township for the 2010-2011 school year are up by nine from the 2009-2010 school year, but down by 23 from the 2008-2009 school year, according to the township’s report on violence and vandalism, released at this week’s school board meeting. As for substance abuse, 23 incidents were reported for the 2010-2011 school year.

Total incidents, including vandalism, violence, weapons and substance abuse stands at 59 for the 2010-2011 school year, according to the report. This includes 29 incidents of violence, seven of vandalism and 23 of substance abuse.

"All of these types of incidents seem to go up and down over the years," said Joseph Kraemer, assistant superintendent of schools in Jefferson Township. "There's no real upward trend."

In the case of substance abuse, there were 17 instances of use reported and eight incidents of possession. The 17 use reports, all of which occurred at the high school, involved cocaine narcotics, unauthorized prescription drug paraphernalia, marijuana, amphetamines and depressants. The eight  possession reports, two from the middle school and six from the high school, included amphetamines, unauthorized prescription drug paraphernalia, marijuana and depressants.

The vandalism incidents involving cost to the district totaled four, with a cost to the district of $147.23.

“These incidents involved damage to bus seats, and we are happy to say that those costs were covered by parents,” Kraemer.

Kraemer noted that lights and cameras have been a great deterrent to vandalism at all the schools.

In the category of violence, the report noted there were 60 offenders, 20 student victims and six school personnel victims. There was one incident of violent criminal offense.

The police were notified in 35 incidents, but only in seven instances was a complaint filed. There were six in-school and 44 out-of-school suspensions issued as a result of the actions. Disciplinary action also included 48 instances of assignments, instruction and/or support services, eight in school disciplinary actions and 43 instances of home instruction.