Ohio School Safety Grant Program [Ohio bill 310]
https://ofcc.ohio.gov/Portals/0/SchoolSafetyGrantProgramGuidelines.pdf
Since May 2021, the state of Ohio has provided funding via competitive grant awards of up to $100,000 to public schools for eligible security improvements. This includes community schools (charter schools) as well as STEM schools. As with any government grant, the process is involved and requires the expertise of outside professionals.
Experienced security professionals can assess your structural vulverabilities, design a security system which answers your challenges, specify appropriate equipment for each location and install a comprehensive system which meets these guidelines.
Be wary of out-of-town companies which promise more than they can deliver. Local security companies committed to their community’s safety provide the best value and service. Their children attend these schools and their motivations go beyond profit.
The following sections of the bill highlight what is eligible for the program and the process required:
B. Eligible Work. Eligible security improvements (“Eligible Work”) means:
- A physical security enhancement, equipment, or inspection and screening equipment included on the Authorized Equipment List published by the United States Department of Homeland Security that is also within the definition of “costs of capital facilities” under section 151.01 of the Revised Code
- Reasonable professional design services required to complete/accomplish the project
- Reasonable installation and labor
Each eligible applicant is required to do all of the following:
In summary, and to translate, school security hardware such as keycard access control, security cameras, plus the design and installation of school security systems, are covered as part of this program.
The first step is to have a security assessment performed. This will identify vulnerabilities and possible solutions. Review the School Grant Safety Program guidelines for specific details.
