CITY OF BAYONNE
Office of the Mayor
City Hall
630 Avenue C
Bayonne, New Jersey 07002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 10, 2026

Contact: Donna M. Russo, Law Director

Phone: (201) 858-6091

Email: drusso@baynj.org

STATE FUNDING AVAILABILITY TO PRIVATE, RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS FOR SECURITY

The State of New Jersey provides Nonpublic School Security Aid under state statute to assist nonpublic schools in improving security measures. A recent internal audit showed that the City was not reimbursed for the extra-duty assignments of full-time Bayonne Police Officers assigned to provide dedicated on-site security at two local private schools—All Saints Catholic Academy and Beacon Christian Academy. The primary responsibility for on-site security at private, religious schools should not be paid for by Bayonne taxpayers; instead, it should be funded by the private religious institutions using available Nonpublic School Security Aid.

Once aware of the discrepancy, and in line with our fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers and to promote accountability and transparency, the City initially contacted both schools to inform them about the appropriateness of private schools using State funding for on-site security details without impacting taxpayers. The City asked whether there was interest in continuing the private security detail using available State Aid. Both schools separately stated that they were aware of the available State Funding program, but declined to commit to State Aid funding arrangements at this time.

Contrary to the incorrect information reported by All Saints to its students’ parents yesterday, (1) no member of the Municipal Council was aware of this matter, and (2) the Municipal Council has not taken a vote on this issue. As an administrative decision, the City encouraged both schools to use State funding, since taxpayers should not bear the costs of private security details without reimbursement.

The Bayonne Police Department remains committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all residents, students, and visitors throughout the city. In line with its mission of public safety, the Bayonne Police Department will continue to protect and serve the entire community.

Police Chief Joseph Scerbo states that “[t]he safety of our children in our community has always been and will continue to be a top priority for the Bayonne Police Department.” Chief Scerbo will be meeting with both principals today to discuss interim measures available to both schools. 

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