Johnson State Grant Will Heighten Security At Cleary School For The Deaf

State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee, today announced that he has secured a state grant in the amount of $55,000 to heighten security and promote a safe and secure environment at the Cleary School for the Deaf. The school educates deaf children from throughout Long Island on their campus in Nesconset.

"The safety and security of all our children is of paramount importance," said Senator Johnson. "Because of their special communication needs, the unfortunate reality is that children who are deaf can be particularly vulnerable. We need to take every precaution to ensure their safety. I commend the Cleary School for the Deaf for having the foresight to take the necessary preventative steps to ensure safety."

Senator Johnson explained that the money secured will be used to install a digital surveillance system to monitor the key areas of the buildings and grounds, an improved external lighting system, the creation of an additional parking lot, and the replacement of existing fencing. The goal is to increase the safety and security of students both within the building and on the school grounds and create a campus that is safer and more secure for all who use it.

"Given several notable and dramatic instances of violence in schools including the recent tragic shooting at the one-room schoolhouse in Pennsylvania, it’s clear that schools cannot be careful enough when it comes to children’s safety," said Ken Morseon, Superintendent of the Cleary School for the Deaf. "We are very grateful to Senator Johnson for securing this grant that will better protect the children who attend our school and all who visit our campus."