Matthew Haag of The New York Times reports on a critical gap in New York City’s emergency communication system that leaves NYC private schools without timely safety alerts. Read the full article here: A Text System Sent Safety Alerts to Private Schools. Now, It’s Silent. As a parent and educational consultant deeply invested in school safety, I was quoted to underscore why families deserve consistent, reliable alerts—not just within the building, but across the entire community.
At Abacus Guide, I’ve consistently heard from parents that emergency communication is non-negotiable. It’s vital that schools are transparent and prepared, not only for incidents inside, but also for what’s happening on the surrounding streets. When touring schools, questions about real-time alerts, coordination with authorities, and community safety come up even before academic programming. These systems aren’t optional extras—they’re basic expectations for families making educational decisions.
I’m grateful to Matthew Haag and The New York Times for shedding light on this long‑standing oversight and amplifying the voices of concerned parents and school leaders. My hope is that this coverage sparks action and leads to equitable safety protocols for all NYC students, public and private alike.