Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C-Greece) attended a press conference today alongside Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Captain Tracey Quinn of the Greene County Sheriff’s office and members of the Assembly Minority Conference to discuss recent concerns about the safety of children in school. Recently, the Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety & Security hosted five forums throughout the state to meet with parents, teachers, law enforcement, mental health professionals and the public to address proper safety measures in schools in light of increased acts of violence.

The recommendations of the task force include:

• Increasing Law Enforcement Presence in Schools
• Addressing Mental Health Issues in Schools
• Open Communication Between Stakeholders
• Innovative State Support for School Safety and Security
• Identifying Threats and Providing Support to At-Risk Students

“As a parent myself, it is deeply troubling to see acts of mass violence occur, threats leveled against our schools and violence against students and staff. Students and teachers deserve to go to school each day without the worry of someone making a threat to seriously harm them. We must look to address the lack of mental health assistance in schools, identify and enhance school safety measures, implement plans that will help guarantee our children are safe and protected and foster greater communication between all stakeholders in our school communities. This is a non-partisan issue and as lawmakers it is critical that we look at the ways in which we can greater ensure the safety of our schools. It is our duty, and I will continue to advocate for the safety of our children,” said Jensen

***Editor’s note: View the full report here.