Protecting Our Future: Reducing Violence in Rapid City Area Schools

The Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) propose a comprehensive project under the STOP Violence Grant to enhance school safety and create a supportive school climate through evidence-based solutions and a trauma-informed approach. The primary purpose of the project is to improve school security by equipping students, teachers, and local law enforcement with the necessary tools to recognize, respond to, and prevent acts of violence. The project will support the hiring of two Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinators and two social workers by December 2024. These professionals will spearhead initiatives to address the mental health needs of students, provide professional development for school staff, and train local police officers. Starting in January 2025, the coordinators and social workers will train school personnel and police officers to identify students at risk of mental health problems and implement trauma-informed strategies to mitigate potential violence.

Key activities include the development and implementation of a district-wide MTSS program, integrating the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system to track and promote positive student behavior. The MTSS Coordinators will collaborate with building administrators, educators, support staff, families, and students to establish a tiered framework for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning interventions. The social workers will provide direct mental health services, conduct professional development sessions, and engage parents in creating supportive behavior programs for students. Additionally, the project will leverage the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, with the MTSS Coordinators becoming certified trainers by Q2 2025 and subsequently training selected staff and local police officers.

The project will also include extensive training for School Resource Officers (SROs) through Vector Solutions, covering topics such as active assailant preparedness, trauma awareness, and crisis intervention. Regular collaboration with external partners like the Club for Boys and Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota will enhance the support services available to students, reducing the need for external referrals. The expected outcomes of the project include increased knowledge and awareness of mental health and trauma-informed practices among school staff and local police, a reduction in referrals to outside agencies by 10% by the end of the project period, and improved school climate and safety.

The service area for this project includes the ZIP codes 57701, 57702, 57703, and 57709, covering the Rapid City Area Schools district. Intended beneficiaries are the students, staff, and local law enforcement officers within this district. Partners include the Club for Boys and Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, with Community Centered Consulting, LLC (CCC) providing grant compliance and project management support.