Providing the latest data, this report on school safety presents a mixed picture: while overall crime has declined, violence, gangs, and drugs remain at some schools. Victimization at school declined from 1995-99, though rates for fighting and weapon threats remain steady. Students seem more secure, and gang activity decreased; however, in grades 9-12, the number of students offered drugs on school property is up 24 percent since 1993. This report uses independent data from a wide number of sources regarding fatal and nonfatal victimization, safety perceptions, gangs, and hate-related language. Combining homicides and suicides, schools reported 60 deaths from July 1, 1997, to June 30, 1998. Students are more likely victimized by such crimes as rape, sexual or aggravated assault, and robbery away from school. At least one violent crime was reported in 1996-97 by principals at 10 percent of public schools, and 47 percent experienced a less serious violent crime. From 1994-98, teachers were crime victims at a rate of 83 incidents per 1,000 teachers. The percentage of students fearing attack at school declined from 9 to 5 percent. Data from students indicate declining weapon possession and gang activity, steady alcohol use, and rising marijuana use; about 13 percent of students are victims of hate speech. Includes 88 pages of data tables, 2 appendices, and a glossary of terms. (TEJ)