State Approves School Safety Grant Waiver

Phoenix (Sept. 30, 2024) - Based on a request from the state Department of Education, the Arizona Department of Administration has granted a waiver request to allow $15 million in School Safety Program funding to be made available to schools statewide to support campus safety efforts, including counselors, social workers and police officers.

In a Sept. 20 letter to ADOA's director, the Department of Education requested that state legal requirements for a six-week public notice period for grant application requests be waived to expedite the distribution of $15 million in carryover funds to immediately support school safety efforts.

Under this expedited process, the grant-application window would open Oct. 21, allowing schools to request funding for counselors, social workers and police officers. Those funds would be available for use in January 2025.

As part of a comprehensive approach to supporting school safety, the grant funds will allow schools - not state-level leaders - to decide how and where to apply these funds, which are expected to be brought to the State Board of Education for approval in December. School counselors, social workers and police officers all contribute to establishing, supporting and maintaining safe, secure and productive school environments.

"At ADOA, we recognize the pressing need schools around Arizona have for supporting positions like counselors, social workers and police officers to help create learning environments that are both safe and welcoming for students, teachers and staff members," said ADOA Director Elizabeth Alvarado-Thorson. "By giving schools options and flexibility, we can support the diverse needs of our students as identified by those who know best - the educators and administrators on campuses."

The grant-application process will be overseen by the Arizona Department of Education, with final approvals granted by the State Board of Education. For more information on applying for part of this $15 million for counselors, social workers or police officers, please contact ADE.