Top New York state education officials in New York would be required to work with State Police and homeland security to create basic standards for security and safety at schools. 

The measure, backed by state Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblymember Nader Sayegh, comes in the wake of school shootings and recent so-called "swatting" incidents. 

“For too long, our school districts have been struggling to face these threats and instances of unthinkable violence without dependable, standardized criteria to address school safety,” Skoufis said. “While we all wish these tragedies weren’t part of students’ and educators’ experiences, we can no longer stand by and allow our districts to fend for themselves. The education commissioner, along with informed input from state law enforcement, must produce standard guidance to ensure each of our schools and its leadership are well-equipped to protect our kids.”

The measure would set standards for the security of doors, windows and other points of entry as well as exempt improvements for upgrading security from the district's cap on property tax increases. 

“We must leave no stone unturned in safeguarding our schools and during the years I served as a school Principal and School Board President in Yonkers, I understood the importance of setting standards and enacting plans to meet them,” said Sayegh. “The tragic school shooting in Nashville, and schools across our state recently forced into lockdown following false reports of attacks, highlight the necessity for all of our schools to meet a school security and safety Standard. This will help educators and law enforcement officials to protect our students, staff, parents, and schools.”