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NJ AR70
NJ AR70Urges public and nonpublic schools to annually provide parents opportunity to observe school security drill.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution urges public and nonpublic schools to annually provide the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school the opportunity to observe a school security drill. The purpose would be to allay the concerns of parents that unannounced school security drills may be frightening, especially for younger students, and have a negative impact on a student's sense of well-being. These parental concerns may be connected to the fact that parents are not familiar with the drill process. While parents are notified through email and other forms of communication after the drill has been conducted, this notification does not provide them with an understanding of drill procedures and what may be required of their child during a drill. While school and law enforcement officials acknowledge this concern, they feel that students have proven to be resilient and that the value of these drills in preparing students and staff for crisis situations outweighs these concerns and will serve to mitigate student panic in the case of an actual event. Annually offering parents and guardians an opportunity to observe a school security drill at such time as is determined appropriate by the public or nonpublic school could help to alleviate parental anxiety by educating parents on drill procedures and the actions taken by school staff to both protect and support students during these monthly drills.
AI Summary
This resolution urges public and nonpublic schools to annually provide parents and guardians an opportunity to observe a school security drill. The resolution emerges from growing concerns about school safety, particularly in the wake of increased school shooting incidents like those at Sandy Hook Elementary, Parkland, and Santa Fe. While schools are already required to conduct monthly security drills, parents have expressed anxiety about unannounced drills, especially for younger students. The resolution aims to address these concerns by allowing parents to witness a drill, which could help them better understand the procedures and rationale behind such exercises. By providing parents a chance to observe these drills, schools can potentially alleviate parental anxiety, educate families about safety protocols, and demonstrate the careful actions school staff take to protect and support students during potential crisis situations. The resolution would be communicated to the Commissioner of Education, who would then forward it to school districts and nonpublic school administrators for consideration.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR70 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/70_I1.HTM |
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