(November 25, 2002) - Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and Criminal Justice Coordinator John Feinblatt today announced an immediate series of initiatives designed to promote order in our public schools. The overall program was developed by the Department of Education as part of its Children First Initiative, working with the Police Department and the Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator, together with the support of the Vera Institute for Justice.

"As I have said from the day I took office, school safety is a top priority of my administration,'' Klein said. "Despite this year's 8% drop in serious crime in our schools as compared to last year, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for those students who want to learn remains a paramount responsibility of the school system. I have also reminded our superintendents and principals of their responsibility for the state of our students' learning environment. I want to make sure our school safety committees - composed of principals, administrators, school safety officers, and representatives of the United Federation of Teachers - work collaboratively and effectively. Ensuring a safe learning environment for children who want to learn -- and dealing appropriately with those who don't -- must always be our number one concern."