Two Alexandria Schools Receive Security Grants

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Gov. Terry McAuliffe Thursday awarded $6 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 434 schools across Virginia to protect students and education professionals.

In Alexandria, $57,560 was awarded to Francis C. Hammond Middle and George Washington Middle School. (There may have been other Alexandria schools awarded grants earlier. This fourth round of awards brings the total number of school security projects receiving state funding through the program to 1,782.)

The grants will pay for video monitoring systems, metal detectors, electronic-access controls, visitor-identification systems, direct communications links between schools and law enforcement agencies, and other security upgrades.

“School safety is a fundamental element of offering every Virginia student a world class education in an environment where they can learn, grow and thrive,” McAuliffe said in a news release announcing the grants. “These grants will give our administrators the resources they need to keep students and educators safe so they can focus on preparing for success in the new Virginia economy.”

The School Security Equipment Grants program was established by the 2013 General Assembly in the aftermath of the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. The grant criteria prioritizes schools most in need of modern security equipment, schools with relatively high numbers of offenses, and schools in divisions least able to afford security upgrades.

“School security is a high priority for teachers, parents, school staff, local leaders and this Administration,” said Secretary of Education Dietra Trent. “It is vitally important that as we work to prepare all of our students to succeed in the workforce, we also work to make sure that they are safe in the classroom.”

This fourth round of awards brings the total number of school security projects receiving state funding through the program to 1,782.

“Parents rightfully expect that public schools will provide safe and orderly environments in which all students can focus on learning,” stated Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples. “The enhancements and systems supported by these grants will help schools meet this basic expectation.”

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