How Minnesota Districts Are Funding School Security in 2026
Safe Schools Levy
Minnesota’s Safe Schools Levy provides per-pupil funding that can be used for security technology, including AI-powered video surveillance. Districts can levy up to $36 per pupil for school safety, with additional revenue available through voter-approved referendums.
The Safe Schools Levy is recurring annual revenue, making it ideal for subscription-based cloud security platforms that require ongoing funding.
SVPP Grant Program
The School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) is a federal competitive grant administered through the BJA. Minnesota districts have been increasingly successful applicants, with award amounts ranging from $500K to $2M per district.
LTFM Expansion
Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) revenue can fund security infrastructure including camera installations, network upgrades, and access control systems. Recent legislative changes expanded eligible uses to include technology that enhances building safety.
Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing
Sourcewell (formerly NJPA) offers cooperative contracts that simplify procurement for Minnesota districts. Several video security vendors hold Sourcewell contracts, allowing districts to skip the RFP process entirely.
Sourcewell contracts include pre-negotiated pricing and terms. This can shave 60–90 days off your procurement timeline and reduce administrative burden significantly.
Procurement Calendar
| Funding Source | Application Window | Award Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Schools Levy | Annual budget cycle (Jan–Mar) | Available July 1 |
| SVPP Grant | January–March (federal cycle) | Awards announced June–Aug |
| LTFM Revenue | 10-year plan submission | Available upon approval |
| Sourcewell | No application required | Immediate |
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