Wayne Schools Drug, Alcohol Cases Drastically Increase

WAYNE, NJ — The Wayne Township School District had a dramatic increase in substance-abuse cases for the 2017-18 school year compared to the previous year.

New Jersey has released its annual list of substance-abuse cases reported by each school district, revealing the most recent data of reported cases.

Here is a look at how Wayne Township ranked compared to the 2016-17 school year:

There were 40 such cases reported in Wayne Township for the 2017-18 school year, according to numbers released by the New Jersey Department of Education recently. This increased by 15 cases over what was reported in the 2016-17 school year, when there were 25 cases.

Wayne ranked fourth highest in Passaic County and 22nd in New Jersey. Paterson ranked first in Passaic County, and second in New Jersey with 131 cases.

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.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com