CENTEGIX | Education
Washington School Safety Standards
CENTEGIX | Education
Washington School Safety Standards
Washington HB1064
OSPI administers the school safety grant program created by Washington House Bill 1064. This bill was introduced during the 2023 regular session and created funding to advance the safety and security of Washington school facilities. HB1064 provides funding for Washington school safety solutions that “make physical improvements intended to advance the safety or security of a school facility.” Examples include:
Metal detectors, key card access, and remote door access
School alert systems that feature panic buttons
Design and construction of security vestibules
Fencing and lighting
Environmental design projects aimed at crime prevention
Metal detectors, key card access, and remote door access
School alert systems that feature panic buttons
Design and construction of security vestibules
Fencing and lighting
Environmental design projects aimed at crime prevention
Washington School Safety Center
The Washington Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) administers the School Safety Center. The Center’s mission is to provide resources for Washington districts and schools as they develop high-quality emergency operations and safety plans. These required plans ensure safety for Washington students, creating positive school climates and learning environments. Washington lawmakers are currently working toward legislation to support Washington school safety solutions.
The School Safety Center provides support throughout the grant application process. It includes information about various state and federal grants available to Washington public schools, including those that support Washington school alert systems and other safety technologies.
The CENTEGIX Safety Platform™ is Foundational to School Safety Plans
The CENTEGIX Safety Platform is the foundation of a multilayered school safety plan. The Safety Platform includes technologies that, as HB1064 requires, “make physical improvements intended to advance the safety or security of a school facility.” The CENTEGIX Safety Platform school safety solution:
Acts as an innovative incident command system
Shortens response times by equipping staff with mobile panic alert buttons
Facilitates seamless and efficient lockdown procedures
Provides the foundation for an active shooter plan and emergency procedures
Streamlines and expedites the process of requesting help during medical emergencies
Disseminates missing student information in the event of student elopement
Supplies vital data needed for successful reunification plans
The CENTEGIX Safety Platform: Creating a Culture of Safety
The following features of the Safety Platform make it an effective Washington school safety solution:
Its technology is reliable; no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity is required.
It is easy for staff members to adopt; teachers need not download an app.
It facilitates immediate connection to diverse emergency service technologies.
It enables school staff to coordinate in real time with multiple first responder agencies, including county, local, and on-site responders.
It integrates with local public safety answering points to transmit 911 calls and mobile activations.
Federal Funding for Washington School Safety Solutions
Stronger Connections Grant
In late 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced nearly $1 billion in awards through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). In Washington, the Stronger Connections grants aim to facilitate academic success by providing students with inclusive, safe, and supportive learning opportunities and environments. Washington was awarded $15 million through this program.
Through the BSCA, state educational agencies (SEAs) must develop competitive state grant programs through which schools can create safer and healthier learning environments. The BSCA specifies that SEAs must award these funds competitively to high-need LEAs working to implement Washington school safety solutions, as determined by the state.
The Stronger Connections grant focuses on helping schools foster sustained learning, engagement, and attachment for students in Washington schools. The grant specifies that schools accomplish this by focusing on resilience, student mental health support, and improving school climate.
According to the Department of Education, schools should spend Stronger Connections funds to:
- Meet students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being needs by implementing evidence-based strategies.
- Create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments.
- Improve access to place-based interventions and services.
- Collaborate with students, families, educators, staff, and community organizations in selecting and implementing strategies to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
- Design and implement policies and practices responsive to underserved students, protecting student rights, and demonstrating respect for student dignity and potential.
Schools can spend Stronger Connections funding on expenses, including hiring counselors and nurses, implementing teacher training on inclusion and behavioral interventions, expanding mental health services, and other related efforts to create a positive and supportive climate in Washington schools.
ESSER Funds
As part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds were made available to address the pandemic’s impact on student safety and mental well-being. As of June 30, 2022, Washington ESSER has awarded $2,895,532,761 to the state.
For the first round of ESSER grants, Washington was allocated $216,892,447. The deadline to obligate those funds was September 30, 2022.
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act was passed in 2020. As part of the act, Washington’s ESSER II allocation was $824,852,290, and it had to be obligated by September 30, 2023.
An additional round of funding was made available as part of the American Rescue Plan. Washington’s portion of those ESSER funds is $1,853,788,024, and the obligation deadline is September 30, 2024.
COPS School Violence Prevention Program
The U.S. Department of Justice oversees the COPS School Violence Prevention Program. This program earmarks funding for evidence-based school safety programs and technology. Schools can use COPS funds to purchase school safety technology that helps identify potential dangers. Districts can also use funds to improve emergency notification and response systems. This includes Washington school alert systems. To learn more, visit the COPS website.
BJA’s STOP School Violence Program
The U.S. Department of Justice has also made funds available through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. BJA’s STOP School Violence Program funds the purchase of software that helps K-12 schools maintain a safe environment. This program is geared toward recognizing, responding to, and preventing violence on campus. Learn more here.
CENTEGIX Safety Report
2024 School Safety Trends: Saving Seconds Saves Lives
Discover our latest, comprehensive analysis of school safety incidents gathered from the CENTEGIX Safety Platform™ usage data for the 2023-2024 school year in our report 2024 School Safety Trends: Saving Seconds Saves Lives.
See what our safety report reveals regarding safety in the classroom, state safety legislation, and critical components of school safety solutions. Download your copy today.
Hear from Our Educators
We engage with teachers and staff every day to understand how CrisisAlert supports them, and here’s what they’ve shared:
Championing Safe Schools with Educators and Educator Associations
Discover the Safety Platform
Safety solutions that prioritize speed for the best outcome.
Mapping and locating capabilities provide the precise location—of emergencies, visitors, and safety assets.
A visitor management system screens and locates visitors on your campus.
Protocol development to plan for rapid incident response.
CENTEGIX CrisisAlert vs. Mobile Apps
CrisisAlert eliminates vulnerabilities related to app-only solutions and enables rapid incident response to all emergencies.
In an Emergency, You Need CrisisAlert™
See how our CrisisAlert wearable mobile panic button empowers staff to get help instantly in an emergency.
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2024 School Safety Trends Report
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