The Virginia Department of Education announced $12 million in state School Security Equipment Grants to protect students, faculty and visitors in 483 schools in 98 school divisions. The grants will pay for security card access systems, visitor ID badging systems, surveillance cameras, security vestibules, two-way radios, voice and video internal communication systems, interior school bus cameras, two-way radios for buses, mass notification systems and other security enhancements.
Grants for the 2023-2024 school year were awarded on a competitive basis to school divisions and grant funds awarded were based on a ranked order on the competitive application criteria. The criteria developed by VDOE and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services gives 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.
Wythe County received $146,216 for Fort Chiswell High and Middle schools and George Wythe High School.
Smyth County schools received $114,581 for Atkins, Chilhowie, Marion, Oak Point, Rich Valley, Saltville and Sugar Grove elementary schools, Marion and Northwood middle schools and Chilhowie High School.
Galax High School received $250,000.
Carroll County received $148,612 for Carroll County High and Middle schools and Fancy Gap, Gladeville and Laurel Elementary schools.
Washington County netted $96,464 for Abingdon and Meadowview elementary schools and Damascus, E.B. Stanley, Glade Spring and Wallace middle schools.
Bristol City schools Joseph Van Pelt Elementary and Virginia Middle schools received $46,775. Pulaski County Senior High School received $80,405.
