Planning for school threat response procedures is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff. By having a clear plan in place, schools can respond quickly and effectively to potential threats, reducing the risk of injury or harm. Additionally, planning for school threat response procedures can help create a culture of safety and security, giving students, parents, and staff peace of mind and a sense of confidence in their school's ability to keep them safe.
Some campus safety and threat response procedures that schools can implement:
1. Conduct a threat assessment: Schools can identify potential threats and assess their likelihood and severity to determine the level of response needed.
2. Develop a comprehensive emergency plan: Schools should have a clear and comprehensive plan in place to respond to various emergencies, including lockdowns, evacuations, and medical emergencies.
3. Train staff and students: Schools can train staff and students on how to respond to various threats and emergencies, including how to report suspicious behavior, how to respond during a lockdown, and how to administer first aid.
4. Conduct regular drills: Schools should conduct regular drills to test their emergency response procedures and ensure that staff and students are prepared.
(For more on how to plan for enhanced school safety, read Planning for Enhanced School Safety with an Integrated Communication System.)
In response to the need for more school safety measures, including staff, training, and technology, the STOP School Violence Act of 2018 was enacted. The STOP School Violence Act of 2018 is a federal law that aims to improve school safety by providing grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes. The law empowers the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to award grants to these entities to enhance school security through evidence-based programs and technology. The goal of the act is to prevent school violence by promoting effective strategies, such as threat assessments, mental health resources, and security infrastructure. By investing in school safety measures, the act aims to create a safer learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.
For 2023, up to $73 million is available for the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) grant, with a maximum federal share of $500,000 per award for a three-year period. The SVPP grant can fund various safety measures in K-12 schools, including coordination with law enforcement, training for officers, metal detectors, and technology for emergency notification. Additionally, the Bureau of Justice Assistance offers funding for anonymous reporting systems, specialized training, and other measures to enhance security. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) also offers funding for school violence prevention. All awards are subject to the availability of funds and legal requirements. For more information on the SVPP grant, click here – FY 23 School Violence Prevention Program.
Applying for educational grants can be a difficult process, particularly for schools and districts that lack a dedicated coordinator. To address this challenge, Boxlight has established the Grants Assistance Program (GAP) to aid schools in investing and integrating technology solutions and services that promote academic success and a secure learning environment. The Boxlight GAP provides grant writing support and guidance to support schools as they navigate the application process for educational funding. The program aims to help schools achieve their educational goals while also fostering a sense of community and well-being.
To ensure a safe learning environment, schools must plan for threat response procedures. This includes conducting threat assessments, developing emergency plans, and training staff and students. Schools can enhance their security measures through the SVPP grant and receive support from the Boxlight Grants Assistance Program (GAP). Investing in safety measures and utilizing grant opportunities can help schools prioritize the well-being of their students and staff.
If you want to use Boxlight’s free Grants Assistance Program to aid your application for COPS SVPP funding, please contact our GAP director before May 5, 2023: Don.Gemeinhardt@Boxlight.com or (919) 599-8471.
Watch an informative video on the COPS SVPP explained by Dr. Don Gemeinhardt, Boxlight Grant Assistance Program Director.
For questions about the SVPP and the application process, click here – Grants Assistance Program.
To explore technology to enhance school safety measures, including campus wide communication solutions and teacher mic alerts, click here – School Safety Communication Solutions.