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: School Violence Prevention Program solicitation is open and will close on April 29, 2020 at 7:59 p.m. EDT. Funding will provide up to 75% funding for the following school safety measures in and around K-12 (primary and secondary) schools and school grounds:
- Coordination with law enforcement
- Training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence against others and self
- Metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures
- Technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency
- Any other measure that the COPS Office determines may provide a significant improvement in security
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.