Increase In Drug, Alcohol Cases At Scotch Plains-Fanwood Schools

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — The number of substance abuse cases reported in Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional school district increased during the 2016-17 academic year, data released by the state shows.

There were 12 such cases reported in regional schools last year, numbers released by the state Department of Education recently. The 12 cases were eight more than the four that were reported during the 2015-16 academic year.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood ranked fifth highest in Union County. Elizabeth ranked first in the county and state with 76 reported cases. Union Township was next with 28 then Summit with 22 and Linden with 18.

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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