Oklahoma schools just received a $70 million security boost. This funding injection across multiple state programs gives educational institutions a rare opportunity to transform their security infrastructure while staying within budget constraints.
Read on about how schools in OK can access the resources they need to protect students and staff.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) administers the Oklahoma School and Campus Safety Security Grant Program, which has seen significant funding increases. Initially appropriated $1.4 million in 2023, the program received a substantial boost to $20 million through Senate Bill 101 in the latest legislative session.
This reimbursement-based grant program offers awards up to $50,000 per institution and is available to a wide range of educational facilities:
According to the Oklahoma Department of Education, schools that successfully implemented security measures through this grant program have reported a 67% reduction in security incidents and significantly faster response times during emergencies.
To qualify for funding, institutions must meet two primary requirements:
The application process is straightforward but time-sensitive. Schools must submit applications by the annual deadline (typically in September) and receive approval notification within two weeks. Importantly, all expenditures require advance written approval from ODEMHS and must directly address the vulnerabilities identified in the assessment.
Allowable expenses include:
We've seen firsthand how properly implemented security technology can transform a school's safety posture. At VOLT, we work with Oklahoma schools to maximize their grant funding by creating customized security solutions that address their specific vulnerabilities while ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern Era
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern EraHouse Bills 2903 and 2904 established the "School Security Revolving Fund," which represents a significant commitment to ongoing school safety. This fund creates a sustainable financial resource for security enhancements that will continue beyond single-year appropriations.
The State Department of Education administers the revolving fund and can receive funds from multiple sources:
What makes this fund particularly valuable is its designated purpose for two critical areas:
According to the Oklahoma School Security Institute, schools with properly trained resource officers and integrated security systems show 73% faster response times during security incidents than schools without these resources.
The legislation caps expenditures at $50 million per fiscal year, with funds to be divided equally among all public school districts in the state. This equitable distribution ensures that even smaller, rural districts can access security funding.
An important element of the SRO Program is the requirement for specialized training. Officers must complete law enforcement active shooter emergency response training through the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) and receive approval from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
Its supplementary nature distinguishes the School Security Revolving Fund from other programs. The legislation states that these funds "shall supplement and not supplant existing school security funding," ensuring that schools can layer multiple funding sources to create comprehensive security solutions.
While many security funding options focus on physical infrastructure, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) offers an additional avenue for private schools with 501(c)(3) status. This federal program, administered in Oklahoma, provides funding for target hardening and physical security enhancements.
The program's 2024 application period runs from April 16 to May 24, with a complete submission requiring:
According to the Department of Homeland Security, institutions utilizing this program have improved emergency response coordination by 58% and significantly reduced vulnerability to security threats.
For private educational institutions, this program offers a valuable supplement to state funding sources. The program is particularly valuable for those facing higher-risk scenarios or requiring specialized security enhancements that might exceed the scope of state programs.
Read the Case Study: How a Public High School Transformed School Security
In today's increasingly digital educational environment, physical security is only one aspect of comprehensive protection. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) offers resources to help educational institutions protect their digital infrastructure.
While the program is fully utilized, additional funding is expected later this year. Educational institutions should monitor the ODEMHS website for updates and new application opportunities.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 85% of schools have experienced at least one cybersecurity incident in the past year, highlighting the importance of including digital protection in comprehensive security planning.
Schools that successfully leverage these funding sources typically implement integrated security solutions that combine multiple technologies:
At Prescott High School, VOLT’s system detected a student experiencing an asthma attack in an empty hallway, enabling response within 15 seconds—turning a potential tragedy into a success story. The school utilized grant funding to implement a comprehensive system that includes real-time monitoring and medical emergency detection.
Similarly, the University of Illinois Chicago implemented VOLT AI across 142 critical security camera streams, enabling advanced weapons detection, occupancy monitoring, and unusual behavior detection. This implementation has allowed them to reduce reliance on third-party security services while improving overall campus safety.
Oklahoma's multi-layered approach to school security funding creates unprecedented opportunities for educational institutions to implement comprehensive safety measures. Schools can create truly effective security systems by strategically combining resources from the Oklahoma School and Campus Safety Security Grant Program, School Security Revolving Fund, and federal programs.
Partner with us to maximize your security funding and create a safer environment for your community. Our VOLT system transforms existing cameras into intelligent guardians, monitoring 24/7 for medical emergencies, unauthorized access, and potential threats—because every second matters when lives are at stake.
When safety is your priority, choose a partner who understands what's at stake. Book a VOLT demo to learn how we can help your Oklahoma school make the most of available funding while implementing security solutions that protect your students, staff, and community.