Fewer Instances of Violence, HIB Reported in Springfield Schools

The Springfield Public School district had few reported instances of Violence, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying during the 2012-13 school year than were reported in the previous year, according to Violence and Vandalism date released by the state on Thursday.

The report documents self-reported incidents of violence in each district. Overall, the total number of incidents (violence, bullying, etc.) in New Jersey schools plummeted by 19 percent from the previous year, led by a 36 percent drop in the number of bullying incidents reported.

Overall violence in New Jersey schools was down 4 percent year-over-year.

In the Springfield district, while enrollment was up by 53 students, reported acts of violence dropped by two incidents. Reported cases of harrassment, intimidation and bullying were down by more than 50 percent from 32 reported in the 2011-2012 school year to 12 in the 2012-2013 year. Reported acts of vandalism, weapons, and substance abuse remained flat at 1 instance per category. 

Overall, reported instances declined from 46 to 24 in the Springfield district.

In October, Superintendent of Schools Michael Davino outlined the statistics for the second half of the 2012-2013 school year.

"It's a very short report, which is what is indicative of our school," Davino said following his presentation.

The superintendent was not immediately available for comment at press time. 

To view the 9 most violent school districts, click here.