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USBE and state security outline rule updates, spot checks and alternative approvals
Summary
Staff discussed updates to administrative rule R277‑400, a proposed compliance framework, and an inspection plan that includes unannounced spot checks; the Division of State Security reported hundreds of alternative applications were processed with approvals and denials
School safety staff and Division of State Security representatives told the task force they are updating administrative rule R277‑400 and developing a compliance framework for consistent application across rules.
Chantelle Cota said the board is working with policy advisors on language for key boxes, multidisciplinary teams, a compliance framework and an incident response system, and aims to bring rule language to a committee in August. “Our plan is to continue working with our policy team and, hopefully, bring that, to the board in August,” Cota said.
Jeremy Barnes, filling in for Chief Pennington, described Division of State Security implementation steps. He reported that the office completed reviews of alternative applications and said formal letters would go out. Barnes stated that the office had processed approvals and denials and that regional specialists will conduct spot checks in each school during the 2025–26 school year; some visits will be unannounced. “The expectation is that they will be in every school once per school year, and some of them will be unannounced,” Barnes said.
Barnes and other task‑force members emphasized that spot checks are intended to be supportive and to identify gaps in practice rather than punitive first responses. The group also discussed standardizing access to key boxes so first responders can reliably enter a facility, and asked that multidisciplinary teams include staff with direct knowledge of incidents.
Division of State Security also gave counts for alternative application processing; staff reported approvals and denials while clarifying that some smaller LEAs received blanket email approvals when alternatives were already codified. Task‑force members asked staff to coordinate visits with county security chiefs and to report back with proposed rule language once it is refined.
