New Jersey Law requires the Commissioner of Education to monitor the incidence of violence and vandalism in the public schools. Presented in this commissioner's report are summaries of district incident reports for the 1989-90 school year and comparisons with prior years (1984-89). The aggregated annual data exclude causes and circumstantial specifics and are reported under three subheadings: vandalism, violence, and substance abuse. Findings indicate a 17 percent reduction in the total number of reported incidents from the previous year, although changes in reporting methods may have been a factor. Vandalism was the most prevalent form of disruption, followed by violence and substance abuse. The most frequent school response was suspension. State programs established in response are described, such as those for alternative education, substance abuse and intervention, and excellence in education. Recommendations are made for community and interagency cooperation, citywide communication, extracurricular activities, a positive and clearly defined discipline policy, and a district prevention plan. Appendices include the public school safety law, report forms, reporting instructions, definitions, a directory of regional curriculum services units, a list of department publications, and State Board resolutions. (LMI)