Senator Akshar brings together school superintendents and law enforcement for ‘School Safety Summit’

Last Monday, Senator Fred Akshar brought together local superintendents and representatives from 29 local schools and school districts in Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware Counties, along with members of law enforcement from state, county and local municipal law enforcement agencies for the first in a series of “School Safety Summits.” 

Through these round table discussions with stakeholders, Akshar seeks to learn more about the safety challenges faced by both educators and law enforcement, while identifying and assessing any additional needs to ensure the safety of our local students. 

Following the initial roundtable with school administrators and law enforcement, Akshar plans on meeting with local teachers and students in the coming weeks as well.

“In light of last week’s horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida, it’s incumbent upon our community to bring our local stakeholders together and make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect our children from these violent tragedies that have become all too common,” said Akshar. 

He continued, “Our educators and local law enforcement do an incredible job every day keeping our kids safe, but as state senator, it’s important for me to listen to their needs, take that message to Albany and do what I can to help make their jobs easier. Whether it’s assistance through additional funding, legislation or emergency plans, everything is on the table. I’m here to listen, assess and to act.” 

Topics of discussion included the critical role School Resource Officers play in the daily lives and safety of students, access to mental health and counseling services, the importance of communication between school districts, law enforcement and mental health professionals in dealing with troubled students, and the delay in funding from the 2014 Smart Schools Bond Act designed to help schools improve technology, infrastructure and safety measures.

“We covered a lot of ground this morning and while ensuring school safety is clearly a complex and multifaceted issue, my team and I are already working on a few action items to get schools the resources they need in a faster, more effective way,” added Akshar. 

“Today is only the beginning and we’ll continue to listen to stakeholders, assess needs and work to obtain tangible results.”