Texas School Safety Standards Formula Grant Program

Deadline to apply: August 1, 2023

Mutualink is your partner in the grant application process.

Following the Uvalde tragedy, Governor Abbott and the state's Legislative Budget Board collaborated to put into place a comprehensive financial plan for school districts to improve school safety measures with an emergency funding declaration.

The most recent initiative is the School Safety Standards Formula Grant initiative. This program has $400 million in funding available to improve hardening and safety protocol capabilities. This program was developed by the Texas Education Agency to help school districts meet the new requirements. These updated standards include a wide range of areas, such as technical advancements including notification and reunification systems, physical hardening and equipment, and mental and behavioral health programs.

Program Details and How to Apply

Here's a breakdown of the program details and how to apply. The description in blue applies to Mutualink's product and services.

Program Name	Texas 2022-2025 School Safety Standards Formula Grant Program
Program Host Agency	Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Eligible Applicants	Local Education Agencies (LEA) including public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools
Application Due Date	August 1, 2023, 5 PM CST
Is a Match Required?	No
How much can an entity apply for?	Each district will have a preset amount they can apply for. Find each LEA’s preset funding amounts here.
Compliance pre-requirements	The LEA must first expend all its SB500 School Safety and Security Grant (school hardening funds). The LEA must expend these grant funds to meet minimum compliance to implement the new safety standards applicable to Chapter 61, Sub-chapter CC, 61.031 of Commissioner’s Rules. The LEA must comply with all intruder detection audit requirements. Only costs for the purchase and installation of security related activities detailed in the Allowable Activities section below will be allowed to be charged to the grant. These grant funds will be monitored for programmatic and fiscal compliance during the grant period, and potentially post-grant period.
Purchases that must be made if the district does not already meet minimum compliance with the following state’s school safety standards rule	Fencing Exterior doors Glass exterior doors not within a secured area Ground level exterior windows Silent panic alert technology Purchase and installation of equipment that allows emergency responder two-way radios to function within most portions of the building(s) Exterior door numbering Purchasing alpha-numerical characters that comply with the International Fire Code, §505 Installation materials. Exterior secure master key lock box with two lock access and installation materials Asbestos remediation as needed related to the replacement of door frames or window frames to be complaint with the school safety standards Installation of the Aforementioned Components: Contracted installation and Payroll for LEA maintenance or operations staff installation Find more information on safety standards here.
Other Allowable items Once the School Safety Standards Rule Is Met	The purchase and maintenance of: security cameras or other security equipment; and technology, including communications systems or devices, that facilitates communication and information sharing between students, school personnel, and first responders in an emergency; Providing security for the district, including: employing school district peace officers, private security officers, and school marshals; and collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, such as entering into a memorandum of understanding for the assignment of school resource officers to schools in the district;School safety and security training and planning, including: active shooter and emergency response training; prevention and treatment programs relating to addressing adverse childhood experiences; and the prevention, identification, and management of emergencies and threats, using evidence-based, effective prevention practices and including providing licensed counselors, social workers, and individuals trained in restorative discipline and restorative justice practices; providing mental health personnel and support; providing behavioral health services; establishing threat reporting systems; developing and implementing programs focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant instruction, and providing mental health support; and Providing programs related to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Metal Detectors Two-way radio systems Electronic door-locking systems
How does a district or school get started?	Start by registering for a TEA Login if the district or school does not already have an account. Directions can be found here.
More information on the program guidelines	Visit the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Then, look for “2022-2025 School Safety Standards Formula Grant” in the chart of listed opportunities.
Mutualink Contact	Bonnie Rose Executive Director, South Central States brose@mutualink.net 945-213-6963 Kyley Ortman Client Solutions Executive kortman@mutualink.net 214-504-4923

Grant Application Assistance

Navigate the process with ease and confidence. Our Grants Manager will help you with the grant application process at no cost!

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