vermont school

Vermont Schools Receive $1.4 Million In Funding for Safety Improvements

In its second round of school safety funding, the Vermont government gave grants to schools hoping to install public address systems, better locking mechanisms and more.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • December 18, 2019

Sixty-nine schools across Vermont have been awarded funds to make infrastructure improvements to improve school safety, Gov. Phil Scott announced on Monday.

During the 2019 legislative session, the state legislature approved additional funding for school officials to install new equipment to enhance facility security. About $1.4 million was granted through the program to a total of 150 programs this year.

Priority was given to schools that needed exterior and interior door locking mechanisms and public address systems that enable efficient emergency communications, the governor’s office said in a press release.

“Supporting security improvements in our schools helps ensure all Vermont kids have the safest possible learning environment, and these funds fill gaps left by the first round of grants,” Scott said. “I appreciate the Legislature’s partnership in expanding on our work in this area.”

The new grants bring the state’s investment in school safety infrastructure to $5.5 million. About 308 schools overall have received funding, with $4 million going toward school security in 2018.

In addition to the grant program, the state also spent $1 million on school safety planning and training assistance for administrators. The Vermont School Safety Center recently held several two-day regional planning and training workshops for 184 schools, according to the governor’s office.

 

 

“Funding security improvements is just one step in our approach to school safety, and it’s a critical one,” Michael Schirling, the state’s public safety commissioner said in a statement. “Our team is working on not only securing facilities, but educating communities, school administrators, teachers, and students on how to recognize and mitigate threats to students and staff.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular