On October 10, the US Department of Justice awarded a Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Grant in the amount of $404,420 for Safety and Security to Scottsbluff Public Schools. The STOP School Violence Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, supports schools and communities in creating safer learning environments. The program provides resources for training, threat assessment, and evidence-based strategies to prevent violence before it occurs. Dr. Wendy Kemling-Horner, SBPS Executive Director of Student Services, led the grant-writing effort and will oversee its implementation.
“School safety is a responsibility we take very seriously, and this grant will allow us to build upon the systems and infrastructure we already have in place,” said Dr. Wendy Kemling-Horner, Executive Director of Student Services. “These funds will help us enhance our facilities, upgrade safety technology, and ensure that our schools remain secure, supportive environments where all students can learn and thrive.“
Through this grant, schools can strengthen safety measures, improve communication, and build positive, proactive systems that protect students and staff. At SBPS, the grant dollars will fund training and professional development for staff, and safety and security-related technology upgrades in schools throughout the District.
Including this recently received award, SBPS has received over $12.6M in competitive grant funding over the past seven years. Additional competitive grants received by the District include the Sixpence Grant for Early Childhood Education, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School Program Grants at all in-town elementary schools, Early Childhood Expansion Grants for Bear Cub Preschool, School Climate Transformation Grant, School-Based Mental Health Grant, Nebraska Educator Shortage Grant, and the Comprehensive State Literacy Development Grant.