Press Releases
02/01/2018
Gov. Malloy Announces $10 Million to Enhance Security at 182 Schools Across Connecticut in Most Recent Round of School Security Grants
Since 2013, State Has Awarded $53 Million to Over 1,200 Schools for Security Improvements
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the State of Connecticut has approved an additional round grants totaling $10 million that will be used to enhance security infrastructure at 182 public and private schools in 51 towns and cities across the state. The funds were approved under the School Security Grant Program that was created in 2013 as part of a broad legislative package signed into law by the Governor focusing on gun violence prevention, mental health, and school security issues.
To date under this program, the state has made $53 million available to over 1,200 schools in three separate rounds of funding. The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) and utilizes state bond funding to reimburse municipalities for a portion of the costs associated with the improvements.
**For the list of towns and cities receiving grants under this third round announced today, click here.**
“We have a moral obligation to provide a safe learning environment for our students,” Governor Malloy said. “This most recent round of funding we are announcing today will provide critical resources that allow communities to modernize their school security infrastructure and provide an enhanced level of safety for both students and faculty.”
“Improving school safety is an ongoing effort, one that requires continued commitment and collaboration between all levels of government and our educators,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “These funds will help Connecticut communities keep students and teachers safe, strengthen our schools, and improve response in the event of a crisis.”
“Public safety will always be a core function of our government, especially when it comes to our children’s safety and wellbeing,” DESPP Commissioner Dora Schriro said. “Under Governor Malloy’s leadership and support, this critical grant program will continue to strengthen our schools by enhancing the security of students and faculty and making our educational systems more resilient statewide.”
“All of our schools need to be safe and secure while still maintaining a positive, welcoming, and nurturing educational environment in which young people can learn, grow, and prepare for the next stage of their lives,” State Department of Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell said. “This funding will help school districts achieve that important balance between addressing critical public safety concerns and ensuring as little disruption as possible to students’ learning process.”
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