MINOCQUA – The Lakeland Union High School District is still in the running for a share of the first round of state school safety grants, according to a spokesperson from the state Department of Justice.
“No one is being denied. Everyone is going to get something,” says DOJ spokesperson Rebecca Ballweg.
The legislature earlier this year authorized $100 million for school safety measures and programs. Contrary to the belief that Lakeland was passed over in that first round, Ballweg clarified that the DOJ is still working through the 735 applications for that funding. Announcements of funding are being made on a rolling basis as the agency approves applications.
Ballweg says $31.5 million of the $55 million allotted for that first round has already been awarded. She says the remaining $23.5 million will be awarded once reviews are complete. In some cases, the agency is waiting for more information from districts. She adds that districts will get their full amount requested or at the least, an adjusted amount.
An additional $45 million was set aside for the second round of grants. That funding will focus on advanced initiatives to bolster student mental health, the creation of local school safety intervention teams, and additional physical security upgrades. First round applicants can also apply for that second round of funding.
Districts must file “an intent to apply” notice by August 13th with the awards to be announced in October. Details of that grant application are on the DOJ’s website.
