472 Virginia schools to receive millions in safety equipment and tools grants

A row of backpacks at a Virginia school. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

Virginia is handing out $12 million worth of grants to 96 school divisions and 472 schools across 96 school divisions in the commonwealth to purchase security equipment including voice and video internal communication systems and surveillance cameras.

According to a Nov. 21 announcement by the Virginia Department of Education, each school division can receive grants of up to $250,000 for the current school year. 

Safety has been a priority for school divisions in the commonwealth, especially after a 6-year-old student shot his teacher at Newport News Elementary School in January 2023. Schools have tried to prevent firearms from being brought on campus by adding weapons detectors.

The School Security Equipment Grants program, developed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and VDOE, allows the commonwealth to prioritize schools “most in need” of modern equipment, schools with a relatively high number of offenses and schools least able to afford security upgrades. Schools were awarded grants based on a ranking of those needs. 

“The equipment purchased with these grants will help ensure the safety of all students and staff in Virginia’s public schools,” said Lisa Coons, superintendent of public instruction for VDOE. 

“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. These grants help create safe, supportive environments, both on school grounds and while traveling to and from school,” she added.

Click here to see the full list of awardees.

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