The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) is seeking public comment on Draft Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Frequently Asked Questions – Nonregulatory Guidance (2022). As indicated in its title, the final document will provide nonregualtor guidance.

In the FAQs, the USDE outlines school violence prevention options under $1B Stronger Connections grant program Schools should take a comprehensive approach to violence prevention that includes not only improved safety measures but meets students’ physical, social, emotional, mental health and academic needs, according to a draft FAQ issued by the U.S. Department of Education for the $1 billion Stronger Connections grant program.  

A September 15, 2022 letter  to Chief State School Officers by U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona provided  information regarding the prioritization of funding for school districts that focuses on poverty levels, as well as other circumstances based on the need to address student vulnerabilities.

The FAQs also provide recommendations for allowable activities under the grant.

The public is invited to provide feedback on the draft document by December 19, 2022.

The USDE will consider all comments in making revisions, as appropriate, but will
not provide individual responses to comments.

Submission Instructions include:
Send comments to: [email protected]
Subject line: Stronger Connections Grant Program FAQs Comments: Please submit succinct, substantive comments regarding the draft Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant Program FAQs, which may include:
• Identifying questions or answers in the document, by question number, that you think are not clear and provide a suggestion for enhancing clarity; or
• Providing suggestions for enhancing the document overall, such as an unanswered question.