In a letter sent Thursday to state education leaders, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona clarified how states distributing funds from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act — meant to curb gun violence in schools — should identify high-need districts.
Priority for funding should go to districts with high rates of poverty and one of the following:
- A high student-to-mental health professional ratio.
- High rates of chronic absenteeism, exclusionary discipline, and/or referrals to the juvenile justice system, bullying/harassment, community and school violence, or substance abuse.
- Students who recently experienced a natural disaster or traumatic event.
Poverty measures should take into account both numbers and percentages of students, the Education Department said.
"The Department’s approach is intended to ensure transparency and successful implementation, while also providing access to these funds as soon as possible to support the ongoing needs of students, educators, families, and communities," wrote Cardona.
Cardona also stressed that funds should preferably not be invested in hardening school buildings alone, but also in professional development, comprehensive emergency management planning, behavioral and mental health supports for students, and other measures that improve students’ safety, belonging and mental health.
Part of these investments could include addressing hate, bullying and harassment — which district leaders have noted are on the increase since students returned to in-person learning following pandemic closures.
In addition, funds should be spent on evidence-based practices and only after engaging families on which interventions to select. Practices should be inclusive, Cardona reminded states, adding that students of color who need mental health help are often met with discipline rather than support.
“State education leaders are committed to providing all students an equitable education in a safe and supportive environment, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will help bolster those efforts across the country," said Melissa McGrath, chief of staff for the Council of Chief State School Officers, who received the letter sent to state education leaders.
"We appreciate the U.S. Department of Education creating an allocation process that ensures transparency while allowing the funding to get to schools as soon as possible,” McGrath said.
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