Spokane Standard

The Department of Justice has awarded a $1 million grant to the NorthEast Washington Educational Service District (NEWESD) 101, as announced by Vanessa Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. This funding is designated to enhance safety measures across 59 public school districts, 45 state-approved private schools, and four charter schools in a seven-county region.

The grant is part of the Bureau of Justice Assistance's fiscal year 2024 STOP School Violence Program. It will fund the Safer Schools Northeast Project, which includes annual threat assessment training for school staff, law enforcement, and community partners. The project also plans to host an annual School Safety Summit that will offer advanced training and provide the latest research on school safety. Additionally, a bystander training program will be implemented to educate students and staff on recognizing and reporting concerning behaviors.

"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."

Brittany Roetcisoender, Director of the Center for Student Support and Regional School Safety Center for NEWESD 101 commented: “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.” She added that this funding will enhance Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, promote Bystander Awareness among students and staff, and support an annual School Safety Summit.

For more information about grants from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding.