NC S739

Establishes a School Safety Grant Fund administered by the Department of Public Instruction to award grants to local school administrative units for improving school safety.

Requires local school administrative units to submit applications to the Task Force for Safer Schools that include a safety needs assessment developed in conjunction with local law enforcement.

Directs the Task Force for Safer Schools to evaluate grant applications based on demonstrated need, available local resources, prior grant funding received, and potential impact on student safety.

Caps individual grants at $750,000 and requires the Department of Public Instruction to submit annual reports to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee detailing grants issued and intended school safety needs.

Appropriates $70,000,000 from the North Carolina Education Lottery Fund to the School Safety Grant Program for fiscal year 2018-2019, effective July 1, 2018.