Finding the dollars & the sense to take your campus’ security to the next level.
It is a fundamental concept. Better education can happen when students and faculty are confident in the level of security their campus and educational buildings provide. The return on investment for paying attention to safety in schools, is not only in the protection of the people, property and the institution’s reputation, but in the quality of the education provided to the children that will become our future leaders.
When it comes to security, it is time to move this discussion to the “head of the class”. Perhaps one way to do this is to talk about the funds that are available from various relief packages and that can be used to improve safety measures within the educational vertical for K-12 and higher education. These funds address a variety of challenges that our schools are facing today and we’ve detailed a few of them below. We hope this information enables you to better understand where you can look for assistance to improve the quality of your educational facility’s security and the safety of your students, faculty and guests.
ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund) – This $13.2 billion package is intended to help schools address the impact that COVID-19 has had on K-12 schools across the United States. ESSR funding provides school administrators with the financial resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools. Security, Fire Alarm & Life Safety covered by ESSER can help schools continue to reopen safely, and may include things like occupancy detection, and other communication and physical security management systems, such as mass notification.
CARES (Corona-virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) – Allowing for maximum spending flexibility, the CARES Act will assist schools in preparedness and response efforts, planning for and coordinating during long-term closures, and other activities necessary to maintain the operation of and continuity of services in local educational agencies.
(HEERF) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund – With $14 billion in funding HEERF was established to help stabilize institutions of higher learning throughout the United States with the goal of keeping them safe and secure.
Governors Emergency Relief Fund (GEER) – An additional $3 billion in funding has been established that state governors can access for “significantly impacted” school districts or higher education institutions, again in an effort to stabilize institutions.
Alyssa’s Law – This security grant can be applied for by a school and authorized by the Securing our Children’s Future Bond Act. Monies granted can be applied to the addition or improvement of a public school’s silent panic alert system so that first responders, and law enforcement agencies can be contacted discreetly during an emergency situation. Funds are available as states adopt the law and may vary state by state.
