In 2016, Local Law 02-2016 created a reimbursement fund for non-public schools with over 300 students, allowing them to use taxpayer dollars to cover the cost of keeping their school facilities safe through contracts with private security firms and the hiring of school safety agents. Hundreds of schools serving tens of thousands of NYC students have been left out of this program, leaving charters as the only schools in New York City that are not eligible to be reimbursed for the cost of security guard services. Every student should feel safe from violence in and around their schools, and schools should feel equipped to support public health inside the building and public safety outside of their building.
There is a simple solution.
The City Council should update the School Safety Guard Program by amending and passing Intro 532-2024 to include all charter schools in private space, along with non-public schools that serve less than 300 students.
