SPOKANE, Wash. — The NorthEast Washington Educational Service District (NEWESD) 101 was awarded a $1 million grant to enhance safety and support for 59 public school districts, 45 state-approved private schools and four charter schools across seven counties.
The Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa Waldref says funding for the grant comes from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance fiscal year 2024 STOP School Violence Program.
The project description from NEWESD 101 says that the money will be used for The Safer Schools Northeast Project which will include annual threat assessment training for school staff, law enforcement and community partners and host an annual School Safety Summit to provide advanced training and the latest research on school safety.
“All children deserve the right to attend school and learn in a secure environment. Teachers should be free to do the critical work of educating students without fear for their safety,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “This award will be used to ensure educators, administrators, and law enforcement in our communities have the most effective tools to recognize and respond to concerning behaviors or threats to protect our students, teachers and community.”
The project will also implement a bystander training program to educate students and staff on recognizing and reporting concerning behaviors.
“Thanks to the Department of Justice's STOP grant award, NEWESD 101 can sustain and expand essential school safety support for districts across northeast Washington state,” said Brittany Roetcisoender, Director of the Center for Student Support and Regional School Safety Center for NEWESD 101. “This funding will enhance Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, promote Bystander Awareness among students and staff, and support an annual School Safety Summit, providing educators, law enforcement, counselors and school safety personnel with the latest information, training and resources.”
Additional information about grants and funding through the DOJ Office of Justice Programs is available at the DOJ website.
