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 receiving grants was Osmond Community School.
Superintendent Skip Bremer shared the following information about how the funds have been used.
“Osmond Community School was chosen as one of the Safety and Security Grant recipients in Nebraska. 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 the school. This project is now completed!
"Our main office and principal's office have been moved to the front entrance. Besides the remodel for three offices, a pass-through glass window allowing our visitors to see our office staff was added, new outdoor safety glass, and a new inner door system. This will not only make our entrance safer, it also adds a layer of convenience for our visitors.”
