What Schools Can Do Now While Waiting for Security Funding.

davet39
3d
3 min read

In the world of school safety, there’s one truth every administrator, board member, and facilities leader understands: waiting is not an option. Even as districts apply for state or federal security grants, months often pass before decisions are made. Meanwhile, risks

don’t pause, and communities still expect that student and staff safety remains a top priority.

After three decades working in IT and physical security, combined with experience in the Air Force, the classroom, and the boardroom, I’ve learned an important lesson: meaningful progress is always possible—even without a finalized budget.

Here are practical, immediately actionable steps schools can take right now while they wait for funding decisions.

1. Conduct a Practical, Ground-Level Security Assessment

You don’t need a consultant or grant dollars to get started. Walk your campus with a simple goal: identify obvious vulnerabilities.

Look for:

Propped or unsecured doors
Blind spots in hallways or near entrances
Outdated or missing signage
Poorly lit exterior areas
Visitor check-in weaknesses
Areas where staff feel unsafe

Involve:

Students
Teachers
Custodial staff
Office personnel
Bus drivers

These individuals see the campus through different eyes—and they often identify issues leadership misses.

2. Strengthen Culture and Procedure Before Technology

Technology helps, but culture protects.

While waiting for grant funding:

Revisit visitor check-in procedures
Reinforce daily door-check routines
Ensure staff know how and when to report safety concerns
Review communication protocols for emergencies
Run tabletop exercises with your leadership or crisis response team

The most effective security doesn’t come from equipment—it comes from disciplined, repeatable processes.

3. Improve Staff Awareness and Training (At No Cost)

Training doesn’t always require expensive programs.

Many resources are free through:

State school safety centers
Local law enforcement agencies
Emergency management offices
Federal agencies like FEMA

Focus on:

Situational awareness
Emergency communication
Basic de-escalation
Classroom security practices
Recognizing concerning behavior

Well-trained staff multiply the effectiveness of every dollar you eventually spend.

4. Leverage Your IT Department Now

Physical security and IT have merged. Your tech team can help strengthen safety today by:

Reviewing access control logs
Checking for outdated user accounts
Verifying security camera uptime
Tightening cybersecurity around student information
Ensuring server rooms and network closets remain secured

Cyber and physical breaches are more connected than ever. Use this waiting period to close those gaps before adding new systems.

5. Strengthen Partnerships With Local First Responders

One of the most valuable (and free) things schools can do is open communication channels with:

Local police
Fire departments
EMS
County emergency management

Invite them to:

Tour your campus
Review your maps
Offer recommendations
Participate in drills
Help refine emergency plans

When an incident occurs, relationships matter as much as infrastructure.

6. Prioritize “No-Regret” Improvements

Not everything requires a grant approval to justify. Schools can often make low-cost, high-impact improvements such as:

Upgrading door hardware or strike plates
Installing simple door numbering stickers
Adding inexpensive exterior lighting
Replacing faded signage
Removing landscaping that creates hiding spots
Reorganizing front office traffic flow

These improvements stand alone and remain valuable even if the grant later funds larger initiatives.

7. Communicate With Your Community

As a school board chairman, I know how important it is to maintain trust. Families want to know you’re working proactively, even without secured funding.

What steps you’re taking
What improvements are planned
Why certain projects matter
How you’re prioritizing student safety every day

Transparency builds public confidence and strengthens future support for safety initiatives.

Final Thought: Safety Work Begins Long Before Funding Arrives

Grants are valuable—they help us do more, faster. But the commitment to safety can never hinge on an approval letter. With the right mindset, leadership, and planning, schools can make impactful progress starting today. It’s our responsibility to act now… not later.

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.

Consultation