TxSSC

The Texas School Safety Center's School Safety Spotlight Awards recognize schools, districts, junior community colleges, and individuals that foster education and learning by implementing effective safety measures and violence prevention strategies. We accept nominations for the fall and spring semesters and select a winner in each category.

Nomination Information and Timeline:

The Texas School Safety Center will recognize the top scoring submission from each category in our newsletter as well as on our social media platforms. Nominations are open to schools, districts, junior community colleges, and individuals in Texas. Nominations are submitted on a rolling basis and reviewed according to the timeline below:

2026-2027 Nomination Timeline

• Fall

  Nominations open
  September 1, 2026 - November 30, 2026
  Reviewed by December 8, 2026

• Spring

  Nominations open
  December 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027
  Reviewed by April 8, 2027

All nominations submitted between September 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, will be considered for recognition at the Texas School Safety Center's School Safety Conference held in June in San Antonio, Texas.

1. Collaborative Community Partnerships

   An innovative partnership that creates and maintains collaborative relationships between schools and community partners. These partnerships uniquely support legal requirements by implementing effective safety measures and violence prevention strategies.

   Nomination Criteria

2. Outstanding Individual Service

   An outstanding individual who has achieved or made a significant contribution to school safety and security through their personal initiative, commitment, leadership, and strong advocacy efforts. This individual exceeded legal requirements by implementing effective safety measures and violence prevention strategies.

   Nomination Criteria

3. Positive Climate Programs

   A program that addresses a school safety and security issue related to creating a positive school climate. This program exceeds legal requirements by implementing effective school safety measures and violence prevention strategies.

   Nomination Criteria

4. Staff Development and Training

   A school safety and security awareness training program that empowers staff with the essential knowledge and skills for creating a safe school environment. This program exceeds legal requirements by implementing effective school safety measures and violence prevention strategies.

   Nomination Criteria

5. Student-Led Groups or Programs

   Programs and activities that allow students to take leadership roles in creating and promoting a safe and secure environment that encourages positive peer interactions.

   Nomination Criteria

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