Emergencies hit schools at the most inopportune times. From severe weather, wild animals on the playground, active shooters, or the death of a student or staff member, emergencies take many forms. Being prepared with a plan that has been created by your school’s team and local partners, approved by your trustees, and practiced by your school community is vital to increasing student and staff safety. Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) provide guidance and practical solutions on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergency situations. This planning process helps schools minimize injuries and property damage during an incident, and expedites the recovery process following an incident.
Current Montana law regarding emergency planning in schools: MCA 20-1-401
UPCOMING EVENTS/NEW RESOURCES
New Funding Opportunity: FY 2019 STOP School Violence Grant Program: The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) currently has new funding opportunities listed and open for application on their website.
This
solicitation aims to improve school security by providing students and teachers
with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and help prevent
acts of violence.
As these opportunities are related to school safety, we strongly encourage you to visit BJA's Funding and Awards Page [bja.ojp.gov] Application Due: March 3, 2020.
School Safety Professional Development Grant for Montana school districts: Montana's Legislature passed HB 601 to provide funds to school districts to support school safety professional development. The OPI will administer school safety grant funds, and schools will be able to apply for funds again in the spring of 2020. This grant also helps schools identify school safety professional development activities that are available to schools free of charge.
PUBLISHED August 21, 2019: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cyber + Security CISA Insights on Ransomware Outbreak.
PUBLISHED January 8, 2020 Y4Y Webinar; Safety and Security: How to Develop and Align Your Afterschool Safety Plan