How to Get Nonpublic School Security Funding – Assemblyman Kean Holds Information Session
The checks are cut and the money is waiting for nonpublic school administrators to complete the process to obtain security funding.
Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (District 30) along with Senator Robert W. Singer (District 30), Assemblyman Dave Rible (District 30), and officials from the New Jersey State Department of Education held a public information session at the District 30 Legislative Office, Lakewood, for local private school administrators and staff to help them get a better understanding about how to obtain funding for security services, equipment, and technology, with the goal to ensure a safe and secure school environment for nonpublic school children, elementary through grade 12.
Assemblyman Kean said, “In light of some of the terrible events we’ve read about in the national media and some of the tragedies at several schools, it’s imperative that we take measures to protect all of our school children by furthering their security.”
Senator Singer said, “Keeping our children safe is always our number one priority. What’s good about this funding is you can decide what makes the best sense for your school. Security is something we all deeply care about.”
Assemblyman Rible said, “As a former police officer, I have seen firsthand the importance of implementing effective security measures. Unfortunately, tragic incidents have illustrated that we can’t take the safety of our schools for granted, and I am pleased this funding is available to help protect the children and staff at our nonpublic schools.”
Assemblyman Kean introduced several officials from the state of New Jersey to answer questions about the required steps needed to get the funding so each school can design its own program. The officials in attendance were Jessani Gordon, director of the Office of Interdistrict Choice and Nonpublic School Services; and Ben Castillo, director of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning of the N.J. Department of Education.
Gordon said the checks have been cut and allocated to the public school districts; however, there is a specific process to secure the funding. For instance, the public school district is responsible for consulting with the nonpublic schools to determine what their individual security are, and both parties needs have to agree on the security measures to be funded.
Examples of such services, equipment, and technology may include alarm services, video surveillance systems, ID cards, installation of bullet resistant glazing, and access control systems for remote locking and unlocking, among others.
Such security services, equipment, and technology may be provided directly by the board of education, by contracts with an educational service commission or an independent contractor. All security services, equipment and technology provided under this program must be used for secular, non-religious and non-ideological purposes.
The following important documents are available on the New Jersey Department of Education website http://www.nj.gov/education/nonpublic/state/security.htm. 1) General guidelines for administering the N.J. nonpublic school security aid program 2) Timeline of requirements 3) A consultation form. Consultation between public and private school administrators must take place no later than the end of October. The public school district then has to go to its board, get approval by the end of November, and then submit purchase orders for implementation.
Public and private school administrators, business administrators, and county special services agencies are urged to attend one in-depth technical assistance session throughout the state on either October 14, 15 and 26 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. so public and private schools fully understand their responsibilities.
The website about the technical assistance sessions is http://education.state.nj.us/broadcasts/2015/SEP/29/14107/NonPublic%20Aid%20Training.pdf.
Assemblyman Kean said, “We are hoping this project grows and provides more resources for nonpublic schools.”
For questions or more information about this program, contact Kate Gamberg, chief of staff, office of Assemblyman Sean Kean, at 732-974-0400.
About Nonpublic School Security Funding: State aid for this purpose has been made available from the State of New Jersey, Department of Education, through the Nonpublic Security Aid Program FY2016. The New Jersey Nonpublic Security Aid Program is appropriating State aid to public school districts to allocate to nonpublic schools $25.00 per pupil times the number of nonpublic school students within the school district. Consultation with the nonpublic schools is required to discuss and agree on the security services, equipment and technology to be purchased. Consultations must be completed by the end of October.
The board of education in each N.J. public school district with nonpublic schools within its boundaries is responsible for providing security services, equipment, and technology to the nonpublic schools within the limits of the funds provided by this program.
About Assemblyman Sean T. Kean: Assemblyman Kean is serving his second tenure in the New Jersey General Assembly. He served from October 2002 when he was chosen to fill a vacancy to January 2008 when he started a four-year term in the State Senate. Following redistricting in 2011, he returned to the General Assembly on January 10, 2012. Assemblyman Kean served on the Monmouth County Environmental Council from 1999-2001. He previously served on the Wall Township Planning Board and is a member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore.
Legislation: Assemblyman Kean has sponsored legislation to mandate that carbon monoxide sensors be installed in all residences. He also sponsored legislation requiring zero emission vehicle technology be made available in the state, and a bill to increase penalties for persons convicted of kidnapping a child under the age of 16. He also authored the law creating the Gold Star license plates for family members of fallen soldiers. In addition, he sponsored legislation that revised alimony laws by providing grounds for modification and termination when the alimony payer retires, loses a job, or when the alimony recipient cohabitates with another person.
Assemblyman Kean, born May 21, 1963, grew up in Deal, N.J. He is a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School. He graduated from Seton Hall University in 1988, received a master’s degree from Columbia University, and earned a law degree from Seton Hall University Law School. He has a private law practice. He resides in Wall Township with his wife Bridget, and three children.