Virginia Schools Awarded Security Equipment Grant
The grant’s criteria prioritize schools most in need of modern security equipment, schools with relatively high numbers of incidents, schools where a school security audit has identified equipment needs and schools in divisions least able to pay for security upgrades.
- By Jessica Davis
- October 10, 2018
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has announced that $6 million in School Security Equipment Grants will go to 102 school divisions and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. The grants will go toward video monitoring systems, metal detectors, classroom locks, electronic access controls, visitor ID systems, direct communications between schools and law enforcement and other upgrades in 443 schools and other educational facilities.
Six schools in Accomack County, Virginia, will use their grant of nearly $27,000 to implement new security equipment.
"We are very excited about getting this grant — it just gives us more security in our schools," Accomack School Superintendent Chris Holland said.
The School Security Equipment Grants program was established in 2013 after the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. According to Northam, the School Security Equipment Grants program has paid for nearly 2,900 new system upgrades and projects to increase the safety and security of Virginia schools.
The grant’s criteria prioritize schools most in need of modern security equipment, schools with relatively high numbers of incidents, schools where a school security audit has identified equipment needs and schools in divisions least able to pay for security upgrades.
“Student safety is always the number one priority of the educators and support personnel in our schools,” said James Lane, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These grants allow schools to purchase the improvements and technology needed to address the findings of annual security audits,” he said.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.