Mayor looks to make city schools safer

Local leaders and educators on Thursday, July 23 presented the de Blasio administration with recommendations to promote school safety while also reducing student arrests, suspensions and summonses.

The 10 proposals – developed by the mayor’s Leadership Team on School Climate and Discipline – aim to improve the environment at schools with high rates of arrests, summonses and suspensions. They include articulating a clear mission statement and making collaborative problem-solving the mantra, among others.

“As a parent, there is nothing more valuable than the safety of our children at school,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Every child, in every neighborhood across the city, deserves a safe, supportive environment that empowers him or her to learn and succeed.”

“Students learn best when they feel safe, challenged and respected,” agreed Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Our school climate improvements are designed to create strong and inclusive school communities that encourage and support all students. By emphasizing de-escalation and conflict resolution, we can address bullying and school incidents and enable all our young people to reach their full potential.”

For a complete list of the recommendations, visit www1.nyc.gov/site/sclt/index.page.