Wisconsin's Office of School Safety Announces Funds to Address the Unmet Needs for Digital Mapping of School Buildings

Friday, March 17th, 2023 -- 12:00 PM

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS) announces that a portion of the school safety grant funds, totaling $1,528,341.03, will be allocated to address the unmet need for digital mapping of school buildings.

These funds are from the $100 million allocated in 2017 Wisconsin Act 143. “Our Office of School Safety has made incredible strides in making our state’s schools safer for our kids,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Digital mapping can help ensure that schools and law enforcement are prepared to work together quickly and effectively if a critical incident occurs.”

The original legislation creating the Office of School Safety requires every school district and private school governing body in Wisconsin to submit blueprints of their school to the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over their school and OSS.

2021 Wisconsin Act 109 amended 2017 Wisconsin Act 143 and allows school boards and governing bodies of private schools to submit digital mapping data to law enforcement and OSS in lieu of blueprints.

Digital mapping data is used to enhance security and increase situational awareness for first responders. 2021 Wisconsin Act 109 also created a $2 million grant program to assist school boards and governing bodies of private schools in submitting digital mapping data.

Applicants were able to apply for up to $5,000 per building (up to a maximum of $200,000) per public school district, governing body of private schools, public schools, and tribal schools.

The $2 million was insufficient to meet the need of all school applicants across the state so additional funds are needed. With replenished funding, OSS again seeks applications from Wisconsin public, private, charter, and tribal schools interested in obtaining digital mapping data.

The grant announcement is available here: School Safety Grants. Please email [email protected] with any questions. Previous applicants do not need to reapply. Previously submitted grant applications will be processed in the order they were received. 

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