Adopted School Safety Standards
| ¶Ù²¹³Ù±ð:Ìý | June 1, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Adopted School Safety Standards |
| Category: | Information |
| Next Steps:Ìý | Submit grant applications by 08/01/2023 deadline |
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OverviewÌý
The ɬÀï·¬ Education Agency (TEA) is committed to supporting local educational agencies (LEAs) in their efforts to improve the safety and security of school facilities for staff, students, and visitors. This letter provides information related to Adopted New 19 ɬÀï·¬ Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 61, School Districts, Subchapter CC, Commissioner’s Rules Concerning School Facilities, §61.1031, School Safety Standards.ÌýÌý
School Safety StandardsÌý
OnÌýÌýGovernor Abbott charged the Commissioner of Education with rule development to ensure existing school facilities are held to heightened safety standard, and to determine costs of more secure facilities in schools. As authorized by ɬÀï·¬ Education Code (TEC), §§7.061 and 37.115(b), theÌýÌýwere adopted on May 31, 2023, to address minimum school safety standards that will better ensure the safety of students and staff in our public schools. The adopted rule requires that all public school system instructional facilities have access points that are secured by design, maintained to operate as intended, and appropriately monitored.Ìý
School Safety FundingÌý
2023-2025 School Safety Standards Formulary GrantÌý
OnÌýNovember 3, 2022, ɬÀï·¬released a formula-based grant to support the school safety standards rule referenced above. The grant allows for pre-award for items purchased on or after June 1, 2022.Ìý Ìý
Application due date is: August 1, 2023Ìý
Grant details are available on theÌýÌýpage.ÌýÌý
Future FundingÌý
The ɬÀï·¬ Legislature has provided new funding for school safety totaling $1.4 billion for the next two years, including $1.1 billion in one-time funding through the supplemental appropriations bill to address new minimum school safety standards and other facilities-related safety improvements. ɬÀï·¬will provide more information on accessing this funding in the coming months. In addition, the General Appropriations Act increases ongoing school safety funding by $300 million per biennium (about $150 million per year) through the school safety allotment and technical support/oversight programs.Ìý
Questions and More InformationÌý
More school safety resources are posted at theÌýɬÀï·¬Safe Schools Webpage. If you have any questions, please contactÌýsafeschools@tea.texas.gov.
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