Va. Dept. of Education gives out $12 million in school security grants, but none for local schools

The Virginia Department of Education announced $12 million in state School Security Equipment Grants to protect students, faculty and visitors in 431 schools in 90 school divisions but none for Manassas, Manassas Park or Prince William County.

“The systems and equipment purchased through these grants will help school divisions control access to school buildings, respond quickly to emergencies and maintain orderly learning environments for students,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said.

“Every student and every teacher should feel safe in their classrooms, during school activities and when traveling to and from school. In many cases, the equipment purchased addresses vulnerabilities identified in annual school security audits.”

The criteria for making the awards — developed by VDOE and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services — give priority to schools most in need of modern security equipment, schools with relatively high numbers of offenses, schools with equipment needs identified by a school security audit, and schools in divisions least able to afford security upgrades.