The grant falls under the School Violence Prevention Program and is designed to help schools increase security on campus through hardware, software, and training. The $499,125 combines with a $180,000 Arkansas Department of Education School Safety Grant to provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 safety upgrades for all campuses. 

These upgrades include video surveillance with audio, rekeying locks with a Grand Master Key System, a visitor management system, increased security entrances and vestibules, and shatter resistant film on windows. The items selected for inclusion in the grant application were selected to address emerging needs identified in the risk and site assessments and complement the activities that the district has initiated to provide additional training and support for teachers on non-exclusionary discipline practices and trauma-informed approaches to classroom management.

The district also has the buy-in of district security and facilities teams and key community partners including the Hope Arkansas Police and Fire Departments and Office of Emergency Management. Hope Public Schools has completed social-emotional learning training with the regional education cooperative including training on trauma-informed instructional practices and building a positive school climate. 

Superintendent Dr. Crossley says, “We conducted active shooter training this past June and additional training support by the district will ensure that staff have the capacity to meet student needs.” The goal of the Hope Public Schools Safety Plan is to ensure the safety and supervision of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the school. The COPS Grant will help the District meet that goal.