School Safety Standards Grant Due Feb 17, 2023

School Safety Standards Grant Due Feb 17, 2023

January 9, 2023 | Grants Management

The State has put serious ($400 million) money where its mouth is when it comes to the safety and security of public-school facilities. In the unfortunate wake of school violence, we must ask ourselves if our facilities have all necessary barriers and are able to protect our students against intruders. In 2022-23, you will be required to evaluate and report in all areas of the state-required facilities safety standards. This means you will go on the record for any deficiencies, and must have a plan for bringing your facilities up to par. The new 2022-2025 School Safety Standards Grant is substantial, and CSS recommends everyone apply because you are required to bring your facilities up to standard regardless.

What are the facility requirements?

Please click here to view the complete rules – Commissioner’s Rules Concerning School Facilities

The purpose of the SSS Grant funds is to first allow LEAs to implement the new safety standards applicable to Chapter 61, Sub-chapter CC, 61.031 of Commissioner’s Rules. Generally, allowable safety standards activities include procurement and installation of:

  • fencing,
  • exterior doors,
  • glass doors not within a secured area,
  • ground level exterior windows,
  • silent panic alert technologies (Separate grant for this too! SPAT Grant Tip), and
  • other required rule components around emergency responder radios, exterior door numbering, and exterior secure master key lock boxes.

After minimal compliance with the rule is met, the LEA may choose from a variety of school security-related activities, such as:

  • security cameras and equipment,
  • communications systems,
  • district peace officers, private security officers, school marshals,
  • active shooter trainings, emergency response training,
  • prevention, identification, and management of emergencies and threats.

Where are funding amounts?

The grant will be submitted in eGrants, and you will be able to see it there now once you submit the ADC form. The funding amounts are on the same entitlements page as your ESSA Title funds.

Click here to view your amount: Entitlements Page/Funding Amounts

CSS will work with our contracted clients to plan and prepare this grant with other available funds in mind such as the Silent Panic Alert Technology Grant (deadline Jan 31, 2023).

You should consider your budget both with State funds and federal funds to meet the facility safety standards. Since federal funds are more limited, plan what is not allowable with federal funding in your State budget or other facilities funding. The SSS Grant does allow pre-award cost back to October 27, 2022 if you have already made eligible purchases this year that could be charged to the grant.

Please note: The nature of this grant will likely involve many contracted services. Contracts will require 3 quotes and, depending on price, may even require Board approval and competitive bidding. Be careful to follow all EDGAR guidelines for contracted services and vendor vetting when using federal funds.

What is the deadline?

The SSS grant is due by 5:00 PM on February 17, 2023. Please log on to eGrants today, complete your ADC, print off the grant, and start notifying all involved personnel since planning to meet the needs or your current facilities will be paramount in preparing for this grant.

Please note:  The Silent Panic Alert Technology Grant (SPAT) deadline has been extended to Jan 31, 2023, and should be considered in conjunction with the SSS Grant.

Need help?

Please contact Charter School Success:

Have questions?

Ask questions, get answers, and discuss this topic on the Charter School Community Roundtable now.