7.1.23 – The Nevada Independent
Nevada school districts and charter schools are investing about $8.4 million on initiatives focused on students’ well-being and improving school safety. Those efforts include hiring specialists focused on attendance and behavior, additional school police officers and new fencing and security cameras.
The funds from the Stronger Connections grant program are part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which aims to reduce gun violence and was signed into law last year. Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) said he cast his vote to pass the legislation on the 30th anniversary of his father dying as the result of “a senseless act of gun violence.”
The federal legislation included $1 billion to help schools across the country implement strategies to create safe and healthy environments on their campuses.
“Nevadans are horrified by the epidemic of gun violence that continues to steal away lives, devastate families and shatter communities across the country,” Horsford said in a statement. “I’m proud that Nevada is swiftly acting to deliver these grants to our communities. Over $8.4 million to our school districts for these programs will reduce crime, save lives and break the cycle of violence.”
The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) allocated the state’s share of the funding to nine school districts and 11 charter schools including the Carson City, Clark and Washoe county school districts and Doral Academy of Northern Nevada.
NDE announced earlier this month it was one of the first state education agency in the country to finish distributing the funds dedicated for schools.