VIRGINIA, USA — The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is investing $12 million in security equipment for 472 schools in 96 divisions across the Commonwealth.
The School Security Equipment Grants will go towards the purchase of new tools aimed at keeping students safe at school and as they travel to and from school.
Some of the items approved for purchase are mass notification systems, security card access systems, surveillance cameras, interior school bus cameras and two-way bus radios.
Grant amounts were decided based on criteria developed by VDOE and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The agencies gave priority to schools most in need of updated equipment, schools with more security offenses, schools with equipment needs identified by school security audits, and the schools that need the financial assistance most.
Amelia County, Fairfax County and Prince Edward County are among the 7 divisions receiving the highest grant amount of $250,000.
More than $135,000 is going towards equipment at Norfolk City’s Lindenwood Elementary and Norview Elementary.
Newport News Public Schools will receive $105,674 for equipment at 11 of the division’s schools.
Portsmouth City Public Schools was awarded a grant in the amount of $158,173 to split amongst 14 schools and preschool centers.
Suffolk Public Schools got more than $218,000 for security upgrades at Creekside Elementary, Mack Benn Jr. Elementary, and Northern Shores Elementary.
Virginia Beach City Schools will receive $123,730 to split amongst 14 elementary and middle schools.
And more than 30 Hampton City Schools will get new equipment after the division received $238,280 – the highest grant awarded among the Seven Cities.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons hopes the grants will help create a safe, supportive environment not just on school grounds, but also as soon as students leave their homes.
“The equipment purchased with these grants will help ensure the safety of all students and staff in Virginia’s public schools,” said Coons. “Every child deserves a high-quality education experience, one where they can deeply focus on learning and growing the minute they step onto a school bus or pass through the doors of their school.”
