By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor
Legislation to protect children who attend nonpublic schools — such as Catholic institutions — was expected to advance to the desk of Governor Chris Christie after passing the State Legislature on June 27.
Introduced earlier this year, the Secure Schools for All Children Act establishes a “state aid program for the provision of security services, equipment, or technology to help ensure a safe and secure school environment for students attending nonpublic schools.”
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“Schools are taking action to provide protection and peace of mind for staff and students, and this legislation will help fund necessary precautions, equipment and technology,” Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (R-Monmouth) said in a news release. “The state has a responsibility to defend all schools and safeguard our children.”
“All students should know they’re in the most secure school environment we can provide,” Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington) said in a news release. “We have a responsibility to provide them that assurance.”
The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget eliminated any mention of security aid for nonpublic schools. The Fiscal Year 2016 budget allocated $3.75 million for nonpublic security funding, or roughly $25 per pupil.
The legislation currently before the Governor increases that amount to a maximum of $75 per pupil, beginning in the 2016-17 school year. Changes to that amount will be determined by the consumer price index each school year.
According to the legislation (A2689 and S754), the superintendent of schools of each school district in which a nonpublic school is located will consult annually with the chief school administrator of the nonpublic school on the security measures needed and make sure that they fall within the limits of available funding.
If the two are unable to agree, the executive county superintendent will make the final decision.
The bill was approved 78-0 by the Assembly and 39-0 by the Senate.