State Awards $2K for Increased Security at City Schools

The city is among 169 schools statewide receiving $5 million in state funds to upgrade security in buildings throughout the district.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced funds awarded in the first round of the Competitive Grant Program for school security, part of the Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety Act. The money reimburse municipalities for a portion of the costs associated security infrastructure improvements made in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

Meriden will contribute $7,028 in local funding to be matched by $2,123 from the state. 

“After the horrific events on Dec. 14, Connecticut cities and towns moved swiftly to improve security infrastructures at schools in need,” Malloy said. “We will never be able to prevent every random act, but we can take the steps necessary to make sure that our children and our teachers are as safe as possible.”

The grants, administered by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in consultation with the Department of Education and the Department of Construction Services, were based on a school security assessment survey conducted by each local school district that applied. Investments from municipalities, which total $3,921,435, will be matched for an overall $8,911,853 investment in school security among 169 schools. 

DESPP received 111 applications for proposed infrastructure projects in 604 school buildings, consisting of the installation of surveillance cameras, bullet-proof glass, electric locks, buzzer and card entry systems, and panic alarms.

Other school districts receiving awards are: Avon, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Derby, East Hartford, Enfield, Greenwich, Hamden, Hartford, Killingly, Ledyard, Mansfield, Middletown, Montville, Naugatuck, New Britain, New Hartford, North Haven, Norwalk, Plymouth, Portland, Regional School District No. 6 (Warren, Morris and Goshen), Regional School District No. 14 (Woodbury and Bethlehem), Rocky Hill, Shelton, Southington, Stamford, Sterling, Stratford, Vernon, West Haven, Westport, Wethersfield, and Winchester.