April, 2025

As school districts continue navigating a landscape shaped by growing safety concerns, evolving technology, and funding fluctuations, one thing is certain: how you invest your resources today can define your district’s security for years to come. That’s why now, more than ever, it’s crucial to think beyond quick fixes — and start building sustainable, scalable safety solutions.

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Short-Term Fixes vs. Long-Term Strategy

When the  Alabama Advancement and Technology (A&T) funds become available, it can be tempting to make quick, visible upgrades — like installing a few extra cameras or replacing outdated devices. While helpful in the short term, these one-off solutions often don’t integrate into a larger, cohesive safety strategy.

Instead, schools should be asking:

• How does this investment connect to our overall emergency response and safety plan?
• Will it work with the tools we already use?
• Can it adapt to future needs and growth?

A unified safety platform — like nSide — provides exactly that. It brings together emergency planning, facility management, and more into one centralized location. The result? A proactive approach that grows with your school.

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A&T Funds: A Strategic Opportunity

Strategic A&T investments should do more than address current gaps — they should prepare districts for the future. That means choosing technologies that:

• Support district-wide safety goals
• Integrate with first responders
• Offer real-time situational awareness
• Reduce long-term operational costs
• Improve communication and coordination

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Safety is a Partnership, Not a Purchase

School safety isn’t solved with a one-time purchase. It’s an ongoing process that requires training, adaptability, and support. That’s why the best investments are ones that come with long-term partnership — not just products.

With the right technology partner, your district can stay ahead of potential threats while creating a culture of safety that extends from classrooms to communities.

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Let’s Build a Safer Future — Together

Don’t wait for a crisis to reveal the gaps in your school’s safety strategy. Partner with nSide to proactively identify risks, streamline emergency planning, and strengthen your entire safety ecosystem.

Whether you’re looking to enhance communication, support student mental health, or fortify your campus infrastructure, nSide is here to help every step of the way.

The Alabama Advancement and Technology (A&T) Fund offers public schools across the state a valuable opportunity to invest in much-needed upgrades. While districts often use these dollars for infrastructure, instructional tools, or facility improvements, one of the most impactful ways to allocate A&T funds is toward enhancing school safety.

If you’re starting to think about how to best use this year’s funding, let us walk you through practical, eligible investments that support the safety and wellbeing of your entire school community.

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Why Prioritize Safety?

School safety isn’t just about responding to emergencies—it’s about preventing them, staying prepared, and ensuring that everyone on campus knows how to act when every second counts. The A&T Fund includes “school security measures” as a key area of focus, meaning your district can strengthen your safety systems without pulling from your day-to-day operating budget.

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Eligible Safety Solutions You Can Fund

Here are a few ways Alabama schools can use their A&T funds to upgrade safety systems:

1. Emergency Management Tools

nSide – The School Safety Platform™ gives your school a central place to manage emergency operations plans, building maps, reunification processes, and more. These digital tools streamline crisis response and ensure your safety team is always aligned—before, during, and after an incident.

2. Video Surveillance Systems

Installing or upgrading security cameras is a one-time investment that can make a long-term impact. Whether you’re expanding coverage, improving camera quality, or integrating your system with local law enforcement, A&T funds can help cover those costs.

3. Mass Communication & Alert Tools

Reliable communication is critical in a crisis. A&T funds can help districts implement or enhance tools like silent panic alert systems and district-wide notification platforms that keep staff, students, and first responders in sync during an emergency.

4. Access Control & Door Locking Systems

Controlling who enters your campus—and when—is foundational to school safety. Upgrades such as integrated door locking solutions can help prevent unauthorized access while improving day-to-day campus security.

5. Fleet & Transportation Safety Tools

If your district operates buses or campus vehicles, A&T funds can be used to support fleet tracking tools, GPS monitoring, and communication systems to ensure safety beyond the school building.

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How to Start Planning

The A&T Fund is designed for one-time expenses, so it’s a great fit for capital investments in technology and infrastructure. As you begin planning:

• Review your district’s most pressing safety needs
  
• Evaluate what’s already in place and where gaps exist
  
• Consult with your school safety partners (like nSide!) to explore eligible upgrades
  
• Create a roadmap that prioritizes long-term impact and ease of use

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We’re Here to Help

Navigating funding opportunities can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at nSide is here to walk with you every step of the way—from identifying the best-fit solutions to helping you prepare your funding plan.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to implement new tools, we’re here to support you.