The buna independent school district, a rural k-12 public education agency in texas, serves a student population of 1,453 and employs 291 full-time staff across three campuses

Approximately 53% of the students are classified as "at-risk" and 46% are deemed "economically disadvantaged." in response to the covid pandemic, our district had to double our computer inventory to support distance learning. This unexpected expenditure significantly increased our education-related expenses. This resulted in fewer financial resources available to dedicate to security efforts during a time when the need for improved access control and enhanced security camera systems has more than doubled. Our approach to school safety and security aligns with best practices of developing prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery capabilities. Our remote geographical location results in extended response times from local law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel. This necessitated an initial focus on increasing our response capability by funding training and equipment for our three-officer school-based police department. We are now focusing on increasing our prevention and deterrence capabilities through development of our school behavioral threat assessment team as well as improvements to the physical security of our campuses. Those physical security improvements would include installation of advanced technological solutions such as integrated camera systems and magnetic card readers with remote access, as well as replacing substandard interior locks and doors. These physical security upgrades are foundational, and crucial given the age of our infrastructure and the urgent need for modernization. Securing svpp funds would help subsidize the costs associated with these improvements on each of our campuses, a financial expenditure we would be unable to afford if not for the grant.