Securing Our Students Act

To authorize local educational agencies and non-public schools to use funds, services, or assistance provided under section 2001 or 2002 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for school safety, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Securing Our Students Act 2. Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund A local educational agency that receives funds under section 2001 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 3401 3. Emergency assistance to non-public schools A non-public school that receives services or assistance under section 2002 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 3401 4. Application amendment (a) In general (1) Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund A State making subgrants under section 2001(d) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 3401 (2) Emergency assistance to non-public schools A Governor providing services or assistance to non-public schools under section 2002 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 3401 (b) Contents An amendment authorized under subsection (a) shall include— (1) what school safety uses are desired to be implemented and how such uses will support known needs for the local educational agency or non-public school; (2) an assurance that such uses will be evidence-based; (3) what professional development for school personnel will be conducted to ensure compliance and understanding of the new school safety uses; (4) when the implementation of such uses will be completed; and (5) an assurance that school safety uses shall be included in any required reporting under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 3401 (c) Approval A State or Governor shall approve expeditiously an amendment authorized under subsection (a) if it satisfies the requirements of subsection (b). (d) Reporting A State or Governor shall report to the Secretary of Education what percentage of the funds provided to the State or Governor under section 2001 or 2002 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 3401 5. Definitions For purposes of this Act: (1) The term local educational agency 20 U.S.C. 7801 (2) The term school safety uses (A) controlling access to school premises or facilities, through the use of metal detectors or other measures, including technology, in accordance with the particular needs of a school; (B) infrastructure— (i) to cover and conceal students within a school during crisis situations; (ii) for school safety reinforcement, including bullet-resistant doors and windows; and (iii) for classroom access security measures; (C) developing methods to provide notification to, and communicate with, relevant law enforcement, first responders, hospitals, and other necessary officials during a crisis situation; (D) hiring school security officers, including school resource officers, to increase the safety of school students and staff; and (E) developing a communications system that can more rapidly and accurately communicate information to parents, including providing status updates during and after a crisis situation.

Summary: Securing Our Students Act This bill authorizes local educational agencies and nonpublic schools to use certain COVID-19 emergency relief funds, services, or assistance for school safety uses, that is improving school conditions for student learning by planning and designing school buildings and facilities, installing infrastructure, providing safety education, and implementing technology or other measures that strengthen security on school premises.