Increase In Drug, Alcohol Cases At Cranford Schools Last Year

CRANFORD, NJ — The number of substance abuse cases reported in township schools increased during the 2016-17 academic year, data released by the state shows.

There were two such cases reported in township schools last year, numbers released by the state Department of Education recently. The two cases were two more than the zero that were reported during the 2015-16 academic year.

Elizabeth ranked first in the county and state with 76 reported cases. Union Township was next with 28 followed by Summit with 22.

Clark Township ranked lowest in Union County with just one reported case.

Here is a full list of Union County schools and number of substance abuse cases reported for the 2016-17 school year:

• Elizabeth - 76
• Union Township - 28
• Summit - 22
• Linden - 18
• Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional - 12
• Hillside - 10
• Union County Education Service Commission - 9
• Union County Vocational - 7
• Kenilworth - 5
• Plainfield - 4
• Springfield - 4
• Westfield - 4
• Berkeley Heights - 2
• Cranford - 2
• Rahway - 2
• Roselle Borough - 2
• Clark - 1

The state Department of Education has cautioned that these numbers are reported by each district, so each jurisdiction is responsible for reporting its results fairly and accurately. But they are required by law to report them.

To view the statewide list, including the districts with the highest increases and biggest reductions, click here.

Related: NJ School Districts With Most Drug, Alcohol Cases, New Data Shows

(Image via Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com)

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