Republicans in the New York state Assembly on Friday announced the formation of a task force to assess school safety and violence and how to address it. 

The panel will be led by Assemblyman Joe Giglio, Assemblyman Doug Smith and Assemblyman Mike Reily. 

Lawmakers plan to speak with parents, mental health experts, teachers and law enforcement to address the issue. Violence in schools has increased as students and teachers returned to the classroom following a suspension of in-classroom learning. 

Experts have raised concerns with the disruption to classroom learning during the initial first years of the pandemic and the potential effect this has had on students. 

“The most strategic way to improve any segment of public policy is with information, collaboration and strategy. That is what we are aiming for here with these important student safety forums,” Giglio said. “With insight from principal stakeholders – particularly parents, administrators, school faculty and staff – and local officials and law enforcement, we will better be able to address this important topic. I look forward to working with them, and hearing about their ‘best practices,’ as we continue to build a better, safer New York in the hopes of giving parents peace of mind when they send their children off to learn each day.”

Lawmakers plan to issue a report on their findings after a series of public meetings to be held around the state.