Security spending at many U.S. Jewish schools has surged dramatically in the wake of Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, according to a new study by the Orthodox Union’s Teach Coalition.

The study, based on data from 63 member schools across Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, found that average school security spending rose 84% from the 2022–2023 school year to the current one. Schools now spend an average of $339,297, up from $184,228. Per-student costs also jumped from $445 to $807.

In New York, security expenditures nearly doubled, with the average school spending $569,789—a 99% increase—and per-pupil spending climbing 102%.

Security guards accounted for 69% of security budgets, followed by building upgrades and new equipment like radios and cameras. Overall, security has grown from 1.85% to 3.09% of school budgets and is rising nearly ten times faster than other costs.

Smaller schools, while spending less in total, reported higher per-student costs. Institutions with under 100 students spent an average of $1,735 per pupil since October 7.

The surveyed schools, educating 26,473 students, represent roughly 10% of Jewish school enrollment in the included states. While all are part of the Teach Coalition network and may not reflect national trends, the findings highlight the widespread concern over safety in the Jewish community.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)