Increase In Drug, Alcohol Cases At Watchung Hills Last Year

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

There were 22 such cases reported in township schools last year, numbers released by the state Department of Education recently. The 22 cases were seven more than the 15 that were reported during the 2015-16 academic year.

Watchung Hills Regional ranked third highest in Somerset County. Franklin ranked first in the county and state with 31 reported cases. Bridgewater-Raritan was second with 25.

Somerset County Educational Service Commission ranked lowest in Somerset County with just two reported cases.

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

• Franklin - 31
• Bridgewater-Raritan - 25
• Watchung Hills Regional - 22
• Hillsborough - 17
• Somerville - 17
• Somerset Hills Regional - 14
• North Plainfield - 10
• Bound Brook - 7
• Manville - 6
• Bernards Township - 4
• Somerset County Vocational - 3
• Somerset County Educational Service Commission - 2

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)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.