The Safe and Drug Free Schools (Title IV, Part A) program is designed to support programs that prevent violence in and around schools; that prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs; that involve parents and communities; and that are coordinated with related federal, state, school and community efforts and resources to foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports student academic achievement.

Use of Funds
Funds may be used for:

• Drug prevention and education programs (pre-K-12);
• Violence prevention;
• Comprehensive health education;
• Mentoring programs;
• Professional development for drug, alcohol, and violence prevention (district, parents, community, etc.);
• Implementation of strategies (i.e., intervention, family counseling, community services and referrals);
• Security measures such as safe zones of passage, metal detectors, and hiring security personnel;
• Student assistance programs;
• Needs assessments;
• Character education;
• Student drug testing;
• Program evaluations; and
• Conflict resolution programs.

Allowable Expenses

• Scientifically research-based prevention curricula for drug and violence prevention
• Needs assessment surveys that measure prevalence, risk, and protective factors
• Security personnel, security hardware and safe zones of passage
• Student drug testing
• Locker inspections
• Employee background checks
• Prevention education consultants
• Professional development
• Conflict resolution
• Student I.D. Badges
• Dissemination of information about drug and violence prevention and other activities that are addressed in the Use of Funds

Budget Limitations

• 2% cap for administration
• 40% security cap to include security officers and professional development with 20% of that 40% limited to security hardware or safe zones of passage
• Cannot carry over more than 25%

Prohibited Activities

• Construction
• Medical services
• Drug treatment / rehabilitation programs

Requirements

• Statewide comprehensive needs assessment, to include prevalence, risk, and protective factors (surveys and discipline data)
• Scientifically research-based curriculum for all grade levels served
• Uniform Management Information Reporting System (UMIRS)
• Unsafe School Choice Option policy

Allocations

• Grants to Local Education Agencies are funds based on the amount of Title I funding a district received for the previous year (60%) and on enrollment in public and non-public schools (40%).

Resources:
Mississippi Prevention Data Improvement Project