Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio officially authorized Councilman David G. Greenfield’s school security program to begin in the 2016-17 academic year. The law, which for the first time ever will provide security guards for New York schoolchildren attending non-public schools including yeshivas and Catholic schools, will have highly-trained, licensed security guards protecting students by September.

Any non-public school with at least 300 students will be eligible for a security guard. Schools with more than 500 students will be eligible for two security guards, with an additional guard authorized for every additional 500 students.

“I am thrilled that after years of fighting for security in all of our schools, it’s finally official. Starting this September, parents who send their children to yeshivas, Catholic schools, and other non-public schools will have peace of mind knowing that their children have trained security officers in those schools,” Greenfield said. “I want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for all that he has done to make this happen. All of our children have a right to be safe while they learn, and that’s exactly what my law gives them.”

Parents who want to know whether their children’s schools will participate in the program should reach out directly to the school administrators, Greenfield said. Non-public schools are currently being contacted by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services with information about the enrollment process for this historic security guard program.

(YWN Desk – NYC)