School Safety Legislation

May 23, 2018

Dear KLSD Community,

Back in March, the New York State Senate passed a “Comprehensive School Safety Package.” The package includes a series of bills intended to strengthen school security. Some of the items addressed in the package include support for school resource officers, support for additional school security infrastructure, additional school-based mental health coordination, additional fundraising opportunities to support school safety efforts, and strengthened penalties for crimes committed on school grounds. You can read more about the package here: Comprehensive School Safety Package

The package is now being considered by the New York State Assembly. Should it pass the Assembly, it will move on to the Governor’s office for his consideration.

I bring this to your attention now because I believe you may see media coverage of this pending legislation in the coming weeks. I want you to have some background information, and to be assured that we are monitoring closely the progress of the legislation. While we have made significant security enhancements in our schools in recent years and continue to make improvements, we would always welcome additional support from New York State, should it be provided.

Sincerely,

Andrew Selesnick, Superintendent of Schools