Specifications include, but are not limited to: Eligible applicants: LEAs that meet New Mexico's definition of "high-need"-- having a high rate of poverty (minimum 40% Free and Reduced Lunch rate) AND with one or more of the following characteristics: A. A high ratio of students to mental health professionals. B. A high rate of chronic absenteeism; exclusionary discipline; school violence, bullying, substance abuse. C. Students recently experienced a natural disaster or traumatic event. Focus for the funding: (A or B) For this 2nd round of the Stronger Connections RFA, priority will first be granted to those districts/state charters who are considering implementing "firearm detection infrastructure." B. In alignment with the grant’s intent to establish safe and healthier learning environments and to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate that impact our school communities at individual and systemic levels, programs/initiatives such as: 1. anti-bullying strategies 2. mental and behavioral health supports 3. social emotional learning 4. student attendance supports 5. violence prevention 6. positive school culture and climate 7. student wellness
