Texas State Funding
State Funding
Texas supports school safety through state formula funding, school safety grants, facility-security requirements, and silent panic alert technology requirements for public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.
Safety and Facilities Enhancement Grant
SAFE Cycle 2
The Safety and Facilities Enhancement Grant, known as SAFE Cycle 2, is a formula-based grant program administered by the Texas Education Agency.
The program provides more than $275 million to eligible local education agencies to help them meet Texas School Safety Standards. Eligible recipients include Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.
SAFE Cycle 2 funding is intended to support facility and infrastructure improvements connected to required school safety standards. Allowable uses may include secure doors, access-control improvements, emergency communication systems, emergency egress improvements, and other capital or facility-related upgrades tied to statutory school safety requirements.
The application window for SAFE Cycle 2 has closed. However, TEA extended the grant period of performance to April 30, 2027, with final amendments due by March 1, 2027. Districts and charter schools with awarded funds should confirm remaining balances, allowable costs, amendment requirements, and reporting deadlines through TEA.
School Safety Allotment
Texas increased the School Safety Allotment beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.
Under TEA’s HB 2 implementation guidance, school safety funding increased from $10 per student in average daily attendance and $15,000 per campus to $20 per student in average daily attendance and $33,540 per eligible campus. TEA also notes that the per-student component is further increased to $21.10 per ADA based on the state’s basic allotment adjustment.
This recurring allotment provides school districts and open-enrollment charter schools with formula funding that may support safety infrastructure, emergency systems, security compliance, and other eligible school-safety needs.
Schools should review TEA guidance and Texas Education Code requirements before using allotment funds for safety technology, panic alert systems, emergency communication tools, or facility upgrades.
Alyssa’s Law in Texas
Texas enacted Alyssa’s Law through Senate Bill 838.
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, each school district and open-enrollment charter school must provide every classroom with silent panic alert technology. The technology must allow immediate contact with district or school emergency services and with emergency services agencies, law enforcement, health departments, and fire departments.
The law allows districts and charter schools to use School Safety Allotment funds or other available funds to comply with the requirement.
The purpose of Alyssa’s Law is to improve emergency communication and reduce response time during serious school emergencies by giving classrooms a direct method to alert emergency responders and appropriate school personnel.
Silent Panic Alert Technology
Silent panic alert technology is designed to help school staff request emergency assistance quickly and discreetly during life-threatening or urgent incidents.
Systems may include panic buttons, mobile or computer-based applications, or other approved technologies that support fast emergency notification. Schools should ensure any selected system meets Texas requirements, works reliably across campus, supports staff use in real emergencies, and aligns with local emergency response procedures.
The funding information and links provided on this page are based on publicly available information at the time of publication. While we make every effort to keep this resource current and relevant, funding programs, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and website links may change over time. If you discover outdated information, inaccurate content, or a broken link, please let us know by emailing info@carehawk.com.