$70 Million in Mental Health Funding, Latest on Safety Legislation, and Nationwide Insights into Threat Response and into Bus Safety

Happy Halloween!

This October has seen a lot of activity with new school safety legislation. With Behavioral Threat Assessment Management, emergency maps of school layouts, and Alyssa’s Law in the list, efforts to standardize safety practices and protocols across individual states are clear priorities across the nation.

Looking across the initiatives underway and latest news topics, we’ll take an overview look at two trending topics across the nation’s schools:

• Navigating School Threats

• Safety and Transportation

But first, let’s dive into the latest updates on funding and legislation affecting our schools.

On Resiliency?

In the field of school safety, our attention often gravitates towards the protective actions adults undertake, like securing doors, monitoring visitors, and organizing reunification drills. While these precautions are essential, there's another crucial lesson students must learn from us: resilience.??

Life is filled with ups and downs, and an important part of growing up is learning to handle the challenges it brings. As adults, fostering this resilience in youth is part of our responsibility. How can we achieve this? Empathy plays a pivotal role. When a student is struggling, instead of hastily trying to solve their problems or downplay their feelings, we need to pause and redirect our focus.??

Being present and allowing them to fully experience their emotions enables us to guide them forward effectively. It also lets them know we are an adult they can trust—a connection that can be life changing.??

Biden-Harris Administration Awards $70 Million Investment in School-Based Mental Health Services?

The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $70 million to expand school-based mental health services nationwide, building on previous funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.??

This initiative aims to:?

• Double the number of school-based mental health professionals, such as counselors and psychologists, especially in underserved areas.??

• Support training and hiring efforts, with a focus on increasing diversity and accessibility in the mental health workforce.??

• Enhance schools’ capacity to address student mental health needs .??

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the critical role schools play in providing mental health support, and the funding is expected to add 18,000 professionals to the workforce.?

Alabama SB98: School Security Program?

Alabama's SB98 establishes a comprehensive School Security Program mandating security inspections and grading for public K-12 schools to standardize safety protocols across the state. ?

It also creates the School Security and Fire Safety Fund to provide grants for safety enhancements and introduces a School Mapping Data Program to establish criteria for school maps. ?

This law went into effect on October 1. ?

California AB 1858 and 2968?

California Assembly Bill 1858 was signed into law on September 24 and now mandates that active shooter or armed assailant drills in school safety plans follow specific guidelines. These include banning high-intensity drills, using a trauma-informed approach, and notifying participants' parents and guardians about the drill and its duration in advance. ?

Additionally, California Assembly Bill 2968 was signed into law on September 25 and mandates that starting with the 2026-2027 fiscal year each public and charter school must develop a communication and evacuation plan that shall identify a decision process to determine when an evacuation order is appropriate.?

Alyssa’s Law ?

Kentucky: Anticipated filing in 2025?

Representative Chad Aull from Lexington is advocating for Alyssa’s Law in Kentucky and plans to file the bill in 2025 . The legislation will aim to install silent panic alarms in schools to immediately alert law enforcement during emergencies. ?

The proposal includes a $10 million state funding request to match district investments in the technology. The bill has garnered bipartisan support and backing from the Kentucky Education Association. ?

Michigan: Introduced October 8, referred to committee on appropriations?

Michigan Senate Bill 1032 mandates that, by the 2025-2026 school year, all public and nonpublic schools implement a mobile panic alert system to improve emergency response coordination during incidents like lockdowns or active shooter events. ?

Additionally, a companion bill, SB 1033, ?would amend the state School Aid budget to make $6.7 million available during the current fiscal year for schools to begin implementation.?

Ohio: Introduced September 10?

Ohio Senate Bill 313 , introduced in September 2024, will require schools to implement wearable panic alert systems for immediate access to emergency responders during critical incidents beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. ?

It also appropriates $25M in FY26 to reimburse school districts and chartered nonpublic schools for the cost of implementing wearable panic alert systems.?

New York 2023 NY S 5117?

Currently in the New York Senate Education Committee, bill 2023 NY S 5117 aims to require site mapping for emergency response plans. It mandates that schools provide detailed and accurate maps, including floor plans and aerial imagery, compatible with law enforcement and emergency services software. ?

The bill also offers additional financial aid for schools to purchase security devices, such as metal detectors, security cameras, and electronic security systems. The funding will be based on the school district’s current aid ratio, with certain exceptions, and all projects must be part of a school’s official safety plan.?

North Carolina HB 605: School Threat Assessment Teams?

North Carolina's recent legislation mandating behavioral threat assessment in schools is a forward-thinking approach to identifying and addressing concerning behaviors early. By gathering objective information, involving specialized team members, and utilizing resources like those from the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools, schools can now create comprehensive, proactive safety measures. This guidance not only clarifies the legal requirements for schools but also provides best practices to support safer educational environments, ultimately aiming to prevent harm before it occurs.

Dr. Marissa Randazzo?

House Bill 605 , which was signed into law July 7, 2023,?requires all North Carolina public schools to establish threat assessment teams beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.?

Key Points on Threat Assessment Teams:?

• Structure: Each team, including experts in counseling, administration, and law enforcement, will assess and manage potential threats, ideally with a school psychologist and special needs staff when available.?

• Guidance: The Center for Safer Schools will provide best practices for threat assessment, parental involvement, and mental health referrals, ensuring privacy compliance.?

• Reporting: Teams will report assessment data confidentially to support a safe school environment.?

This bill standardizes proactive threat management across North Carolina’s public schools.?

Utah HB 84: School Safety Amendments?

Utah House Bill 84 went into effect on May 1. The?legislation requires LEAs to provide a staff person in each classroom with a wearable panic alert device that allows for immediate contact with emergency services or emergency services agencies, law enforcement agencies, health departments, and fire departments. The bill also states LEAs should ensure that school personnel is trained on the use of these devices before the start of this school year.?

Still pending in this bill:?

The bill also appropriates $100M in one-time funds in fiscal year 2025 to support panic button implementation throughout the state. Application details have yet to be announced. ?

Upcoming Webinar?

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 | 12:00-1:00 PM CST?

Hiding in Plain Sight: The Threats We Miss in Schools?

Join?Dr. Jeffrey W. Pollard, Senior Threat Manager at SIGMA, and?Michael Matthews, Director of Safety and Emergency Management at Fairview Park City Schools, and moderator Dr. Amy Grosso, Director, Expert in Residence, Raptor, as they share their expertise in identifying early warning signs that are too often overlooked.?

Recent incidents across the nation highlight the need for effective strategies to maintain safety and wellbeing for students and staff. Whether dealing with direct threats, social media-induced panic, or bullying, schools are actively evolving their safety protocols to foster secure learning environments after key incidents this month.?

Current themes in school threat response across the nation:?

• Special Events: Schools are enhancing security and communication around special events . This includes managing crowd control and ensuring safety measures are in place to address any potential disruptions. By integrating real-time alert systems , schools can provide a safe environment for students and attendees.?

• Bullying: Addressing bullying remains a priority. Schools are implementing comprehensive anti-bullying programs that involve clear early intervention strategies . These efforts aim to create a supportive atmosphere where students feel safe and respected—whether at school, during events, or on transportation. ??

• Funding: Last month’s increased rash of swatting incidencts underscored the importance—and cost—of school safety needs across the nation. Discussions around funding emphasize the need for sustained investment in safety infrastructure and mental health resources . By prioritizing these areas, schools can better prepare for and respond to evolving threats, ensuring a secure educational environment.??

Safety and Transportation??

Many schools nationwide are actively addressing safety concerns tied to student transportation —fittingly timed with National School Bus Safety Week this month. These efforts stress the need for proactive measures and collaboration to secure a safe environment for students. ?

With recent initiatives like Michigan's Operation Safe Stop , schools are underlining the urgent need to protect students during their commutes. These efforts reflect a national commitment to enhancing safety measures and implementing innovative solutions that address current challenges in school transportation.?

Current themes in school transportation safety across the nation:?

• Efficient Dismissals: Schools streamline processes to ensure students are safely dismissed to authorized guardians, reducing congestion and improving safety.?

• Law Enforcement Collaboration: Joint efforts with police focus on enforcing traffic laws, especially around school zones, to prevent illegal activities like passing stopped school buses .?

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives educate drivers about the significance of adhering to safety protocols near schools and buses, emphasizing community responsibility.?

National Trends in Student Commuting Safety Initiatives?

• Technology Integration: Real-time communication tools enhance safety protocols, ensuring quick responses to transportation changes.?

• Community Engagement: Schools involve local communities in creating safe walking and biking routes, combining efforts to foster secure pathways for students.?

from Navigating Threat Assessment for Autistic Students ?

When conducting a threat assessment involving an autistic student, it’s essential to include and engage the family every step of the way. The goal is to create a supportive team that works together to understand and address the student’s needs. Start by involving someone the family trusts, like a favorite teacher or coach, when making outreach. Clearly explain that the assessment is a collaborative effort to find solutions, emphasizing the family’s invaluable insights. Additionally, written follow-ups can be particularly helpful, as some parents may find it challenging to process everything in real-time due to overlapping traits like OCD or autism.?

Dr. Stephanie Leite, Senior Threat Manager, SIGMA

from Alertus Wearable Panic Buttons ?

When it comes to selecting a wearable panic button, there's a few things to consider.?You want something that is going to be very user-friendly, works without error, and also has reliability in terms of preventing false activations. Being able to leverage existing infrastructure within your schools and just adding a very low installation device that fits directly into your ecosystem is invaluable. The Alertus wearable device is connected into your Raptor Alert and is adaptable to your infrastructure.

Amanda Sassano, Vice President Business Development, Alertus?

2024 Raptor SchoolSAFE Conference?

Nov 5 – 6, 2024 | Fort Worth Omni Hotel?

Attending SchoolSAFE 2024? Visit our event webpage to find the full session lineup, speaker highlights, and everything else you need to make the most of your conference experience.?

Learn More ?

Dec 3-5?

SSAC National Conference on Active School Threats - EAST?

Orlando, FL? Margaritaville Resort?

More Info ?