School violence increased, according to latest report

But local officials note Manville is still safer than most comparable districts.

By: Donna Lukiw
   Manville schools saw an increase in violence during the last school year but officials maintain the schools are still safer than most comparable districts.
   According to the district’s summary of violence and vandalism for the 2005-2006 school year, reviewed at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, Manville reported 15 incidents of violence, vandalism and weapons.
   According to Superintendent of Schools Donald Burkhardt, that compares with 11 instances reported for the 2004-2005 school year.
   "For the size of our district, overall, I think we’re in good shape," Dr. Burkhardt said.
   Manville’s numbers compared favorably to other comparable districts. According to the state Department of Education, schools in Franklin Borough in Warren County reported a total of 20 violent acts, eight vandalism and eight weapons offenses; North Plainfield reported 52 violent acts, 12 vandalism and nine weapons offenses; and Somerville reported 31 violence and vandalism offenses, for the 2004-2005 school year.
   Dr. Burkhardt said five incidents were reported at the high school while 10 incidents were reported at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School.
   He also said there were 18 out-of-school suspensions involving 19 students and one student was removed or expelled from the district.
   The district reported only one weapons offense, a bomb threat that turned out to be a hoax, in the schools in the 2004-2005 year compared to eight weapons incidents during the 2005-2006 school year. All of the incidents occurred at ABIS.
   Dr. Burkhardt said eight small knives were found in possession of ABIS students.
   "They were small," Dr. Burkhardt said. "Nothing where anyone went crazy about."
   There were two vandalism reports at Manville High School, two fights at ABIS and one fight at Manville High School.
   Dr. Burkhardt said all of the incidents last year were handled with police intervention.
   Despite the low numbers, school officials aren’t resting easy — series of assemblies and programs are aimed at reducing violence and drug abuse even further.
   For example, all schools will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week to bring awareness to the dangers of drugs and violence, with Manville High School and ABIS students attending a Project PRIDE (Promoting Responsibility in Drug Education) assembly next week.
   Project PRIDE brings prison inmates — escorted by correction officers — into middle and high schools to talk about their personal experiences with drugs and alcohol. Students have an opportunity to hear real-life stories and to consider the consequences of substance abuse. The program is designed to reduce the appeal of drugs and alcohol and to promote positive decision-making skills.