The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently opened applications for the SAFE Grant Cycle 2. If you’re a Local Educational Agency (LEA) in Texas, there’s exciting news about substantial funding to elevate your district’s safety measures!
What is the SAFE Grant Cycle 2?
The Safety and Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant is a formula grant program released to help Texas schools meet safety standards mandated by the TEA. Over $275M will be awarded to districts across the state, with all eligible LEAs guaranteed a minimum of $150,000 in funding. (Review the list of eligible districts and their funding amounts here.)
Key Updates to School Safety Standards
In case you missed it, the TEA made some important changes to school safety rules back in May of 2023. Here’s a quick rundown of the updates made last year.
- Exterior doors must remain locked at all times. Schools must check weekly to ensure doors work correctly and are secure.
- Clear alpha-numeric labels must be implemented on all exterior doors, including those on modular buildings, for quick identification in emergencies.
- Schools must implement a physical barrier and designated visitor check-in area at their main entrance to control access.
- Panic alert systems that can automatically lock doors in emergencies must be installed.
- Safety systems need twice-yearly maintenance checks to verify they are in working order.
- Schools must certify they are meeting these safety standards as part of their annual security audits.
It’s important to ensure full understanding of the rules to be able to assess your district’s needs and areas for improvement. The TEA provides full details about the school safety standards and recent updates on their website. You can also review a concise summary of the original school safety rules in a blog we wrote upon their release in 2022.
What Can the Funds be Used For?
While the SAFE Grant Cycle 2 was released to assist districts in meeting recent updates in safety standards, funding may also be used for compliance with the original rules. Here are some examples on how grant funding can be used:
- Perimeter control: Exterior fencing, doors, and first-floor windows.
- Security Systems: Surveillance cameras, access control systems, emergency communication tools, etc.
- Staff Training: Active threat response, mental health awareness, crisis management, etc.
- Other Improvements: Facility upgrades, safety equipment, and more.
Visit the SAFE Grant Google Site for a complete list of allowable expenses and detailed guidance on how to use your funding effectively.
Who Qualifies for the SAFE Grant Cycle 2?
To qualify for funding, your district must fall into one of the following categories:
- A public school district or a charter school with at least one student reported in the October 2023 PEIMS fall snapshot submission.
- A charter school that commenced operations before January 2024.
- Private schools are ineligible for this funding opportunity.
Securing Your SAFE Grant Funding
The application process may seem daunting, but don’t worry! Here’s a simple breakdown to get you started:
- Confirm Eligibility: Double-check that your school meets the grant requirements. The TEA’s website has full details.
- Update Compliance Assessment: Districts should update their Compliance Assessment data in the Intruder Detection Audit Dashboard to ensure access to the relevant allowable expenses.
- Start Your Application: Gather necessary documents and begin filling out the application forms on the eGrants portal.
- Partner with an Expert: Our team can help you navigate the grant process, assess your school’s needs, and develop a winning application strategy.
A Safer Future for Texas Schools
The 2024-2025 SAFE Grant Cycle 2 presents your opportunity to enhance the safety of your district’s students, faculty, and staff. Don’t miss out on securing funding for your LEA. Let’s join forces to prioritize safety and shape a brighter future for Texas schools!
3Sixty Integrated is a Texas-based systems integrator that specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of electronic security technology. We partner with organizations who want to streamline their electronic security infrastructure. Additionally, as a division of The Cook & Boardman Group, 3Sixty Integrated and our sister branches have a nationwide reach and over 65 years of experience offering total opening solutions, from custom doors, frames and hardware to security integration technology.