Tag: School Safety

Campus Safety Strengthens Through State Funding at Acadiana Schools

Fourteen schools across the Acadiana region recently secured more than $500,000 in state funding aimed at improving campus safety. These funds, distributed through a competitive program, will allow schools to install upgraded security measures such as modernized cameras, reinforced classroom locks, and mass communication systems, ensuring a stronger safety network for students and staff alike, as per this article from The Advocate.

The school campus safety grant program, now in its third year, has consistently awarded $5 million annually to strengthen security across Louisiana. The initiative covers a wide range of campus needs, from new fencing and doors to enhanced emergency planning and improved training for faculty. This year, out of 575 applicants, 117 schools were selected to receive funding, including the 14 Acadiana-area institutions announced in July.

These grants are managed by the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools, which was established in 2023 following the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Created through legislation and operating under theLouisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the center is tasked with equipping schools with both the resources and training needed to prevent and respond to emergencies. Awarded schools are reimbursed for eligible costs but must complete their projects within about 12 months.

In Acadia Parish, six schools benefited from this year’s campus safety awards. North Crowley Elementary, Ross Elementary, Crowley Middle, Iota Middle, Crowley High, and Midland High each received $50,000. Their projects include installing classroom locks, adding exterior lighting, placing new security cameras, applying protective security film, and in some cases, integrating mass communication systems to alert staff and students in the event of an emergency. Rayne High School also joined this list, with plans to expand its communication systems alongside other upgrades.

Iberia Parish secured two awards. Iberia Middle School received $30,227 to strengthen its camera network, while New Iberia Senior High gained $49,782 for similar improvements. In Lafayette Parish, St. Cecilia Catholic School and Westminster Christian Academy Lafayette both earned $50,000. St. Cecilia will direct its funds toward an expanded camera system, while Westminster plans to install fencing, gates, and surveillance equipment.

In St. Landry Parish, the Academy of the Sacred Heart received $46,290 for access control measures. Westminster Christian Academy also obtained $50,000, which will be used for doors, security cameras, and a public address system to ensure faster communication during emergencies. Nearby, St. Martin Parish saw St. Bernard Schoolawarded $49,423 to expand its security camera coverage.

Beyond Acadiana, other schools across Louisiana also secured support. The Calcasieu Parish Alternative Site and Johnson Bayou High School in Cameron Parish both earned funding to enhance security. Meanwhile, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, the state’s largest district, received the highest number of grants overall, with 13 schools funded.

These awards reflect a broader statewide effort to address safety concerns in schools. The Louisiana Center for Safe Schools has emphasized that funding is only one piece of the puzzle; schools must also commit to thorough training and preparedness planning. The integration of physical security upgrades, combined with strong communication strategies, is designed to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure that campuses are ready to respond effectively to potential threats.

As Louisiana continues to invest in safety, these grants provide a crucial foundation. They not only supply schools with the necessary technology and infrastructure but also reinforce a larger cultural shift toward prioritizing prevention and preparedness. For Acadiana schools and beyond, this funding marks an important step toward creating more secure learning environments where education can thrive without the shadow of safety concerns.

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Strengthening School Security: LDOE’s Stronger Connections Grant

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is taking significant steps to ensure the safety of students and teachers in schools across the state through its Stronger Connections Grant program. As per this news release from LDOE and with an investment of over $21 million, the LDOE aims to reinforce single-points of entry, creating a more secure environment within school campuses. The program allocations for the grants were recently approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for 39 traditional public and public charter systems.

State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley emphasized the multifaceted nature of school safety, stating, “School safety is multifaceted and a way of life.” He expressed satisfaction with the proposals submitted and highlighted the importance of bolstering security measures at local campuses. In total, BESE approved $20,215,845 for the 39 school systems, with each system receiving $518,355. The funding for this initiative comes from the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, which allocates $1 billion for states to enhance safety measures.

One of the key components of school safety emphasized by experts is access control, particularly the implementation of a single-point of entry or locked entry points. This best practice is widely supported and can be achieved through various means, such as installing surveillance cameras, metal detectors, or other physical security equipment. It may also involve minor remodeling to enhance security at the designated entry point. The LDOE encourages school systems to actively seek feedback from educators, parents, and the community to ensure comprehensive school safety measures.

Dr. Holly Boffy, President of BESE, highlighted the significance of the Stronger Connections Grant program in directly assisting school systems in improving the security of K-12 campuses. She emphasized the need for systems to reinforce the security of their facilities, particularly in the current climate, and acknowledged the state’s allocation of federal funds as a crucial step towards creating a safe and secure environment for students and school employees.

This recent announcement reflects the ongoing efforts of the LDOE to enhance school safety. It precedes the second annual Louisiana School Safety Summit, scheduled to take place on June 15 at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge. The summit serves as a platform for approximately 800 educators and first responders to collaborate on strategies for ensuring student safety.

In October 2022, the LDOE announced a partnership with Crimestoppers GNO to facilitate the prevention of acts of violence at school. This partnership introduced an anonymous reporting app, making it easier for students, educators, and families to report potential threats or concerns. Dr. Brumley was also recognized for his commitment to student safety and prevention, receiving the Award of Excellence in Student Safety & Prevention from Crimestoppers GNOduring their 38th Annual Awards Luncheon in New Orleans.

Ensuring that schools have a single point of entry is of utmost importance for the safety and security of students and teachers. By committing to this practice, a state’s Department of Education demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigating potential security threats. A single point of entry serves as a strategic measure to control access and monitor individuals entering the school premises, effectively reducing the risk of unauthorized entry or intruders.

The Louisiana Department of Education’s Stronger Connections Grant program exemplifies the state’s dedication to safeguarding its educational institutions. By investing in access control and reinforcing single-points of entry, the LDOE is taking proactive measures to enhance the safety of students and teachers. These efforts, in conjunction with collaborative initiatives such as the Louisiana School Safety Summit and the partnership with Crimestoppers GNO, demonstrate the commitment of the LDOE to fostering a secure learning environment for all.

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LDOE Partners with Crimestoppers School Safety Program

It was recently announced via a news release from the Louisiana Department of Education, that the LDOE will be partnering with Crimestoppers GNO in a school safety effort to make violent incidents easier to prevent and report. The goal is for the LDOE to encourage their school systems to adopt the free Crimestoppers GNO Safe Schools Louisiana Program and its accompanying Say It Here mobile app for middle and high schools. The Louisiana State Police, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Crimestoppers GNO are offering the Safe Schools Louisiana Program to all middle and high schools around the state of Louisiana.

Crimestoppers Safe Schools Louisiana is what is known as a “turnkey program.” The usability of the program is described as being as easy to set up as it is powerful. The program’s mobile app, “Say It Here,” allows its users to report bullying, violence, criminal activity, and mental health issues with complete anonymity. Users can even upload videos and photos of incidents they feel are going unnoticed. Tips that are reported in the “Say it Here” app are processed by a 24-hour multidisciplinary team, 7 days a week. The tips, which are identified by schools, are monitored, vetted, and then sent to the appropriate representatives for proper engagement. If there’s an emergency at any of the safe schools, the safe schools team will be notified immediately for both response and intervention.

In explaining the state’s need for school safety and intercepting threats via the app, Louisiana Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley said, “too often when violence happens on a school campus, someone knew about the attack before it happened. Safe Schools Louisiana is a fast, easy, and anonymous way for people who see something to say something.”

Currently, the Louisiana Department of Education has 40 school systems, and over 500 schools and middle and high-school students that are active participants in the Safe Schools Louisiana program. The program can be implemented in 15 days or less through the following steps. First, the school system signs the initial Memorandum of Understanding, then the school system tip administrative team is identified and trained, and lastly, students are trained to use the app.

In order to help with onboarding, Crimestoppers GNO provides virtual and online training, as well as posters and other items to promote the resource. They also work with schools to embrace the concept of using the anonymous reporting app during special prevention-themed months such as October’s Anti-Bullying Day, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Red Ribbon Week.

In order to make effective use of the Crimestoppers Safe Schools Louisiana program, schools use multidisciplinary teams. Every school team is set to include someone from law enforcement and a lead from mental health or behavioral health in order to direct a student’s path to success. The multidisciplinary team can also request action if any issues are deemed criminal, mention threats of self-harm, or need another specialty’s orientation.

Crimestoppers GNO has operated anonymous criminal reporting resources for over 40 years, and they’ve provided resources and worked in area schools for over 18 years. Crimestoppers GNO serves to follow nationally-recognized best practices on the implementation, processing, and prevention programs. Partnering with the Safe School Louisiana Program provides Crimestoppers GNO with, according to the statement, “a unique opportunity to better understand and embrace the character and needs of our great state.”

As notified in the release, the following Louisiana schools are already implementing Safe Schools Louisiana or are beginning the school safety adoption process: Acadia Parish, Assumption Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Bogalusa City Schools, Bossier Parish, Caldwell Parish, Cameron Parish Central Community School, City of Baker School District, Claiborne Parish, Concordia Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Evangeline Parish, Franklin Parish, Iberia Parish, Jefferson Parish, Lafourche Parish, LaSalle Parish, Livingston Parish, Monroe City Schools, Natchitoches Parish, NOLA Public Schools, Pointe Coupee Parish, Rapides Parish, Sabine Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish, Vermilion Parish, Washington Parish, Webster Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Winn Parish, and Zachary Community Schools.

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