In Ukraine, they are preparing to strengthen the security of schools: a draft law has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada
A new one is presented in the Verkhovna Rada bill, aimed at significantly strengthening security in Ukrainian schools. One of the key changes envisaged by this document is the transfer of responsibility for the safety of school facilities to local authorities. The draft law is currently under consideration by the Education Committee, and in order for it to enter into force, it must be approved by the Parliament and signed by the President.
Experts from the Center for Joint Actions emphasize that enshrining the rules of behavior in schools at the legislative level is an extremely important step. Oksana Zabolotna, head of the center’s monitoring and decision analysis department, emphasizes the need for a clear ban on the presence of intoxicated persons in schools, as well as people with dangerous objects or animals, except for educational purposes. At the same time, she notes that these restrictions will not apply in cases where educational institutions are used as shelters.
The draft law also provides that the rules for access to the school territory will be developed by the pedagogical council of the institution, and the final approval will be carried out by the director after agreement with the founder (local authorities).
In addition, the document provides for new requirements for school security. Persons with a criminal record or a history of domestic violence may not be employed as bodyguards. Access to the school by outsiders will be possible only with the permission of the head of the institution.
Experts of the Joint Action Center believe that these changes will help local authorities to more effectively manage the resources allocated to school security. Danylo Yaschuk, the Center’s regional analyst, gave an example of cooperation with one of the communities, where the school director could not get funding to repair the fence for a long time. Now, according to him, thanks to the new draft law, this situation will change, which is especially relevant given the difficult security conditions in the country.
