§5965 Use of Funds

Summary

Local school districts must spend these grant dollars on actions that stop school violence and make schools safer. Allowed uses include finding and studying violence or discipline problems; reviewing school programs, rules, and buildings for safety; planning long-term prevention with police, health, and social services; training staff in proven violence-prevention methods (like conflict resolution and anger management); involving parents; running community education and outreach; coordinating with outside agencies; creating prevention programs (like social-skills lessons, alternatives to suspension, student-led peer programs, and safe after-school activities); teaching students and parents about the dangers of guns and weapons; developing new anti-violence lessons and staff training; supporting safe routes to school; offering counseling for victims and witnesses; buying and installing metal detectors and hiring security; reimbursing law enforcement officers who work on prevention; evaluating projects; paying project administration costs; and other activities that fit the grant’s purpose. A district may use up to 5 percent of its yearly grant total for safe-route efforts, metal detectors/security staff, and reimbursing law enforcement combined. It may also use up to 5 percent for administration costs each year. Money for safe-route, metal detector, or law enforcement reimbursement can only be used if no other federal funds pay for them. Grant money may not be used for construction.