Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R,C-Manchester) joined Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety & Security co-chairmen Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C-Gowanda), Assemblyman Doug Smith (R,C-Holbrook), Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R,C-Staten Island) as well as other members of the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences yesterday to address growing concerns over safety in New York schools. In response to increased acts of violence in schools across the country, state lawmakers are seeking legislative solutions to keep students, teachers and all other school staff safe from harm.

Some of the proposed solutions include:

1. Increasing Law Enforcement Presence in Schools
2. Addressing Mental Health Issues in Schools
3. Open Communication Between Stakeholders
4. Innovative State Support for School Safety and Security
5. Identifying Threats and Providing Support to At-Risk Students
6. Hardening Infrastructure at Schools

“There is always more that can be done to help prevent such terrible tragedies as school shootings, but right now, we are simply not doing enough,” said Gallahan. “We must increase the presence of school resource officers, create an environment where students feel comfortable reporting red-flag behavior of peers who may be struggling and provide students with the best education possible in a safe and secure location on a day-to-day basis. These are tangible, constructive solutions that will put our children first—so let’s get to work.”

Editor’s Note: To see the full report from the Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on School Safety & Security, click here.