The Securing Aid for Every (SAFE) School Act is a legislative proposal introduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty. This act aims to establish a $900 million grant program enabling public and private schools to:
- Train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers.
- Employ off-duty law enforcement officers to enhance on-campus security.
- Fund physical security enhancements, including the hardening of school facilities.
The legislation underscores a commitment to bolstering school safety by leveraging experienced personnel and improving infrastructure.
Legislative Status:
As of March 2023, the SAFE School Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate. For the most current information on its progression, including debates, amendments, or enactment, consulting official congressional records or reputable legislative tracking services is recommended.
National Glass Association (NGA) Involvement:
The National Glass Association (NGA) actively supports legislative efforts to enhance school security. In their “School Security: Windows and Doors Respond First” briefing, NGA advocates for:
- Support of H.R. 887: Securing Our Students Act and H.R. 2491/S. 1107: SAFE School Act, emphasizing the allocation of funds for school safety and security.
- Implementation of security glazing in windows and doors as a critical measure to delay unauthorized entry during active shooter events, thereby providing crucial time for emergency responses.
- Adoption of ASTM F3561, the Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Systems after Simulated Active Shooter Attack, to ensure products meet established safety criteria.
NGA’s advocacy highlights the importance of integrating advanced glazing solutions into school security plans to create safer educational environments. Ensuring the safety and security of educational institutions is a priority supported by various federal and state grant programs. Below is a comprehensive list of available grants aimed at enhancing campus and school safety:
Federal Grants:
- SchoolSafety.gov Grants Finder Tool
- Description: A centralized resource providing access to federally available school safety-specific grants.
- Access: SchoolSafety.gov Grants Finder Tool
- Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Grant Programs
- Description: Supports K-12 schools and higher education institutions in developing and maintaining high-quality emergency operations plans.
- Access: REMS Grant Programs
- Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – Stronger Connections Grant Program
- Description: Provides funding to create safe and healthy learning environments for students.
- Access: Federal Support for School Safety and Security
- Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) School Safety Program
- Description: Offers funding for school resource officers and other safety measures in schools.
- Access: School Safety Grants: A Comprehensive Guide
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Grants
- Description: Supports safety improvements and emergency preparedness in schools.
- Access: CISA Resources and DHS Grants
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
- Description: Allocates up to $200 million to help schools and libraries enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure.
- Access: FCC Cybersecurity Funding
State Grants:
- Ohio Campus Safety Grant Program
- Description: Provides funding to colleges and universities in Ohio for security projects that enhance the safety of students and staff.
- Access: Ohio Governor Awards $7.5 Million in Security Grants
- Georgia School Security Grants
- Description: Part of the fiscal year 2023-2024 state budget, providing $115.7 million ($50,000 per public school) to enhance security measures.
- Access: K-12 School Safety Grants and Federal Funding
Application Tips:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official websites and resources for the most up-to-date information on available grants and application deadlines.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Develop comprehensive safety plans and proposals that align with grant objectives to strengthen your application.
- Leverage Resources: Utilize tools like the SchoolSafety.gov Grants Finder to identify and apply for relevant funding opportunities.
By actively seeking and applying for these grants, educational institutions can secure the necessary funding to implement effective safety and security measures, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students and staff.