Nebraska schools have been awarded $10 million in safety and security grants for security-related infrastructure projects, ensuring a safer learning environment for students statewide.
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) received 217 applications, including 162 from public and 55 from nonpublic schools, vying for a share of the $10 million allocated for these critical projects.
Each application underwent a rigorous review process by NDE staff with extensive knowledge of school safety strategies.
The evaluation was based on a weighted rubric focusing on various components such as program needs, objectives, assessments, implementation, stakeholder engagement, poverty percentage, evidence-based programs, and allowable uses.
Applications were also reviewed for alignment with the four pillars of School Safety & Security: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, & Recovery. These pillars served as a foundational guideline in determining the most effective allocation of funds.
Ultimately, 171 school districts were awarded grants, signifying a substantial step forward in the statewide commitment to creating safer educational environments for all students. The total amount initially requested by the applying schools amounted to more than $55 million, demonstrating the significant need and desire for enhanced security measures across Nebraska's educational institutions.
Among the schools to receive grants was Osmond Community School, which received $50,400 to relocate the school office to the front entrance.
Osmond Community School Superintendent Skip Bremer commented, “We are so happy to hear that Osmond Community School was able to be chosen as one of the Safety and Security Grant recipients. We greatly appreciate the state Legislature recognizing the needs of all schools in Nebraska to make their campuses as secure as possible. We received a $50,400 award for moving our main school office to the front of our school.
“When completed, we will be able to personally see who is entering the main doors, and our visitors will be able to check in to the office without looking at a small 'buzz-in' screen!”
Bremer continued. “Plans are to have a safety glass pass-through window between the first two sets of entrance doors from the office. We will need to
move our TeamMates room to another location in school. Once the office renovation is completed, we will be able to make plans to repurpose the existing office space to include all of our health services.
“We’re excited to be able to move our main office to the school’s entrance. This will not only make our entrance safer, it will also add a layer of convenience for our visitors,” Bremer concluded.
The school is currently taking bids for this office remodel project. If inter ested, contact Superintendent Bremer, who can explain what is needed.
