In response to a recent spate of arrests for sexual offenses in New York City schools, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) is trying to tighten the regulations on school employees convicted of abuse.
Hevesi introduced two bills to that effect recently.
“These bills are about accountability; when it is a matter of our children’s safety there is no room for finger pointing,” Hevesi said.
Bill A9600 would require school superintendents to report all allegations of child abuse by school employees or volunteers if that person tries to transfer between districts.
A release from Hevesi said it’s intended to make sure people responsible for hiring employees and approving volunteers have all the information they need to make a
Hevesi
decision—ensuring the integrity of new hires.
In February, a teacher in Rego Park was accused of sexually abusing students. It turned out he had a history of substantiated claims of sexual abuse that his employers were unaware of when they hired him.
Bill A9598 will tighten up provisions in the state education law that currently allows convicted child abusers to remain in school settings until a superintendent deems them unfit for their position.
It would make it a requirement that any employee convicted of abuse be immediately terminated.
A Hevesi spokesman said, at the moment, employees can appeal and keep themselves in the school system much longer.
“These bills are a simple matter of doing what is right for our children to ensure their safety and welfare in school settings,” Hevesi said in a statement. “Principals should feel assured that they have the best possible information when making hiring decision, and likewise Superintendents should be responsible for facilitating the transfer of all essential information during school employee transfers.”
By Jeremiah Dobruck
j.dobruck@theforumnewsgroup.com
