Michigan Schools Receive Grants to Increase Security, Safety
“There’s no question that the process has strengthened the planning and the person-to-person relationships of all agencies that would be involved in school safety and security,” said Paul Haley, emergency management coordinator for Trenton Public Schools.
- By Jessica Davis
- January 16, 2019
Many schools from the Downriver communities are receiving a share of the $25 million in state grants administered by Michigan State Police. The grant money, according to school officials, is earmarked for a variety of purposes, including keyless entry systems for school buildings, enhanced safety glass and emergency communications apps.
Districts across the state were required to submit details grant proposals in order to be considered for part of the funding. As part of the process, each district had to work with local law enforcement, fire, emergency services and first responders to create and update plans for school security, safety and emergencies, school officials said.
“There’s no question that the process has strengthened the planning and the person-to-person relationships of all agencies that would be involved in school safety and security,” said Paul Haley, emergency management coordinator for Trenton Public Schools.
Among Downriver communities, Trenton Public Schools received $81,750; Gibraltar School District, $34,044; Academy for Business and Technology in Melvindale, $19,860; Riverview Community School District, $8,800; and Creative Montessori Academy in Southgate, $8,691.
Trenton officials said they plan to use the funding on improvements to four schools, and upgrades will take place over the next year. The money will go toward visitor management systems, door access systems, two-way radios, panic button system and an access control system.
For Gibraltar schools, School Supt. Amy Conway said the grant money will go toward the district’s overall security initiative. Grant money will be used for radios and trauma kits, among other items.
Academy for Business & Technology, Melvindale plans to use funds to improve security at entrances, to install shatter resistant safety glass and to establish a keyless entry system.
Riverview’s grant money will be used for an entrance buzzer system at two schools, as well as fund apps that work as a link to emergency communications for school staff, according to Gianina Meli, principal of Forest Elementary School and chair of the district’s Safe Schools committee.
Alan Carter, headmaster of the Creative Montessori Academy in Southgate, said their part of the funding will help with security and safety measures as the school expands. Plans include “Go Buckets” for each classroom, which will include first aid kits, flashlights and emergency materials. The school will also acquire more emergency radios and pagers.
“It all gets expensive in a hurry, so the grant money is a great way to do this,” Carter said.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.