Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) introduced legislation earlier this year which will require non-public schools to provide documentation that they are operating in a safe environment (A.8621A). The bill will increase oversight on the issuance of Basic Educational Data System (BEDS) codes, the State Education Department’s registration system for schools. Non-public schools need a BEDS code to receive reimbursement for mandated services.

The legislation will require that all non-public schools must provide the State Education Department with copies of certificate of incorporation, certificate of occupancy, recent fire inspection, maximum occupancy and other non-public schools at the address.

“We need to ensure that these schools which receive taxpayer dollars are educating students in a safe and code compliant building,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski. “Unsafe school buildings put children at risk and this legislation will keep these students protected.”

“We shouldn't be using tax payer dollars to fund schools that are operating in unsafe buildings. These unaddressed code violations are an accident waiting to happen,” said Gordon Wren, Rockland County Emergency Services Coordinator.

“Schools that fail to comply with building and fire code are putting children at risk. This bill takes a step in the right direction in protecting our students,” said Rabbi Justin Schwartz, member of the Rockland County Illegal Housing Task Force.

The bill requires additional documentation for all new BEDS code applicants as well as all those with existing BEDS codes. Under the bill, all non-public schools must submit proof of the required documents by December 31, 2014. The State Education Department may revoke a school’s BEDS code for failure to comply.

“There have been many reported cases in Rockland County of non-public schools operating in buildings with dangerous conditions. We need to make sure school buildings are safe before an accident occurs and this bill gives that assurance to parents,” concluded Zebrowski.