Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) and Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C,I-Springport), Co-Chairmen of the Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety, will join education, mental health and law enforcement experts, as well as other community stakeholders, to discuss solutions to the violence that has become pervasive in our schools. The forum will be held on June 12, 2015, from 3:00-5:00 p.m., at the Nassau County BOCES George Farber Administrative Center, 71 Clinton Road in Garden City.

“Violence in our schools across the state, and here locally in Nassau County, remains a pressing concern. This Task Force is our opportunity as elected officials to hear from the school officials, law enforcement and community members directly dealing with on-going security issues. These types of discussions will provide the insight necessary for us to develop ideas and legislation to provide a safer environment for our students and educators,” said Ra.

“School violence has become an all-too-common headline in newspapers across New York State. The first Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety forum in Auburn began the discussions and provided valuable input as to how school officials, law enforcement, social service agencies and state government can begin to work together to ensure our schools are safe,” said Finch. “I look forward to continuing to travel the state with my colleagues to listen to the opinions and proposals from other stakeholders to ultimately help prevent future school violence.”

The Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety was formed in response to concerns from parents and education experts. The Task Force aims to develop solutions to promote a safe learning environment and ensure that children are protected from harm while at school. Task Force members will hold a series of forums across the state to collect testimony from parents, school faculty and staff, law enforcement officials and other community stakeholders. A report will be prepared and sent to attendees at the conclusion of the proceedings, and legislation will be drawn up as required. For more information on the Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at (518) 455-5073 or minpaff@assembly.state.ny.us.