School violence and disruptive incidents in Lower Hudson Valley schools rose 14 percent between 2005-06 and 2007-06, according to data released by the state Department of Education.

Incidents involving weapons rose 7 percent while incidents without weapons rose 15 percent in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam schools. In all, there were 11,306 reported violent and disruptive incidents in 2006-07, with 330 involving weapons.

However, state officials acknowledged that some schools and districts have underreported the number of violent incidents. This fall, the state plans to audit schools on their reporting, which is required under the No Child Left Behind Act.“We support the Commissioner’s plan to audit school safety reporting because accurate data from school districts is essential in making improvements,” said Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett.

To view a statewide database showing the number of violent and disruptive incidents by school, click here: School violence: Search for your school’s record for 2006-07

Here is an overall breakdown by county:
Putnam:
Total incidents: 1,071 (10 percent increase)
With weapons: 18 (5 percent decrease)
Without weapons: 1,053 (11 percent increase)

Rockland
Total incidents: 2,562 (62 percent increase)
With weapons: 63 (11 percent increase)
Without weapons: 2,499 (64 percent increase)

Westchester
Total incidents: 7,673 (5 percent increase)
With weapons: 249 (7 percent increase)
Without weapons: 7,424 (5 percent increase)