Washington K-12 School Safety & Security Planning
- Security Solutions
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
In 2025, Washington State took a decisive step toward improving school safety by passing SB 5004, also known as Alyssa’s Law. To help districts implement these requirements, the state allocated $6 million in funding this year.
Learn more about this opportunity here: OSPI Grant Announcement
Districts should also explore the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP):
Looking Beyond Technology Purchases
The most competitive grant applications go beyond simply requesting equipment. Funders want to see districts approaching safety holistically—ensuring that new technology fits into a broader, sustainable security ecosystem.
It’s not just “What device are you buying?” but “How will this investment meaningfully improve safety?”
That’s where three essential components come into play:
Comprehensive site assessments
Strong policy and procedural frameworks
CRG mapping technology
The Value of Full Site Assessments
A full site assessment gives districts a comprehensive view of their safety posture. Instead of focusing solely on panic buttons, assessments evaluate how every layer of security works together, including:
Access control: How secure entries and exits function daily
Surveillance coverage: Whether cameras provide actionable visibility
Emergency communications: How staff, students, and responders share critical information
Responder coordination: How local police, fire, and EMS integrate with school systems
Including a full assessment in your grant application shows a commitment to systemic improvement, not just compliance.
Policy & Procedure — The Foundation of Safety
Technology is only as effective as the policies and procedures that support it. Even the best panic button system will fall short without clear protocols, staff training, and community alignment.
That’s why many districts are adopting the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s
Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and
Standard Reunification Method (SRM).
These proven frameworks establish a common language for emergency response and reunification. Aligning safety technologies with SRP and SRM ensures everyone—students, staff, parents, and first responders—knows their role in a crisis.
Including these protocols in grant applications demonstrates operational readiness, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
Why CRG Maps Make Sense
Alongside assessments and procedural alignment, Critical Response Group (CRG) maps are one of the most powerful tools for both grant justification and real-world readiness. CRG maps convert traditional floor plans into georeferenced, standardized layouts instantly recognizable by first responders.
For Washington schools implementing SB 5004, CRG maps offer:
Faster emergency response: Dispatchers and officers can quickly locate where an alert originated.
A common operating picture: School staff, law enforcement, and fire personnel share the same visual reference.
Alignment with grant priorities: Demonstrates that technology investments are paired with tools that enhance effectiveness.
Ongoing value: Useful for drills, training, and planning—not just emergencies.
Learn more about CRG here: https://www.crgplans.com/
A Strategic Path Forward
As Washington K-12 schools begin the grant application process, the most forward-thinking districts will emphasize integration and preparedness.
By combining site assessments, standardized protocols like SRP and SRM, and CRG maps, schools can create stronger applications—and even stronger safety ecosystems.
Districts that take this broader, strategic view will not only improve their chances of securing funding, but also set a higher standard for protecting students and staff.
We invite you to schedule a free consultation with our Education Specialist, Dave Teague. As a former educator and current school board chairman, Dave understands the real-world challenges schools face—from tight budgets to complex safety needs. He’s here to help you make smart, sustainable decisions.