Dozens of Central Virginia schools receiving millions in school security equipment grants

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia school divisions will receive $12 million in school security equipment grants to support the safety of schools and students across the state, with some grant money going toward more than 20 Central Virginia schools.

The Virginia Department of Education (DOE) announced 433 schools across 99 school divisions should receive $12 million in school security equipment grants to support safe learning environments across the Commonwealth.

According to a Thursday, Oct. 9, press release, 1,132 public schools will benefit across the Commonwealth, with Henrico, Amelia and Spotsylvania counties receiving the highest amounts at $250,000.

“The safety and security of Virginia’s students, educators, and school communities remain paramount priorities for this Administration," Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson. "These targeted investments reflect a steadfast commitment to advancing prevention, preparedness, and protection across the Commonwealth."

The new school security funding brings enhanced security infrastructure investments to $60 million since Gov. Glenn Youngkin took office three years ago, according to a release.

"We are making meaningful progress toward safer learning environments where students can focus on what matters most, learning and thriving," Anderson added.

These grants were awarded through a competitive process, with decisions based on prioritizing schools with higher offense rates, identified equipment gaps and limited local resources.

“Every parent wants to know their child is safe at school and these school security infrastructure grants help make that promise real," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. "By investing in secure entrances, updated cameras, and modern safety systems, we’re giving teachers and students the peace of mind to focus on learning and families the confidence that their local public schools are protected."

“Protecting students is not a partisan issue; it's common sense and these funds will help ensure Virginia public schools are equipped with the tools they need to foster both safety and academic success," Gullickson said.

The following is a list of other localities affected in Central Virginia:

• Albemarle County -- $30,432 
  • Red Hill Elementary and Virginia L. Murray Elementary
• Amelia County  -- $250,000 
  • Amelia County Elementary, Amelia County High and Amelia County Middle 
• Buckingham County -- $40,000 
  • Buckingham Co Primary 
• Caroline County   -- $40,479
  • Caroline High and Caroline Middle
• Chesterfield County  -- $177,680
  • Providence Middle
• City of Colonial Heights -- $18,400 
  • Colonial Heights Middle and Tussing Elementary 
• Dinwiddie County  -- $198,004
  • Dinwiddie County High, Dinwiddie County Middle, Dinwiddie Elementary, Midway Elementary, Southside Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary and Sutherland Elementary
• Fluvanna County  -- $140,000 
  • Central Elementary and Fluvanna Middle
• Greensville County  -- $248,800 
  • Edward W. Wyatt Middle and Greensville Elementary
• Hanover County  -- $21,600
  • Bell Creek Middle and Liberty Middle  
• Henrico County  -- $250,000
  • Anthony P. Mehfoud Elementary, Glen Allen Elementary, Maude Trevvett Elementary, Ridge Elementary and Ruby F. Carver Elementary
• City of Hopewell -- $250,000
  • Carter G. Woodson Middle, Dupont Elementary, Harry E. James Elementary, Hopewell High, Patrick Copeland Elementary and Woodlawn Pre-School Learning Center 
• King William County  -- $96,000
  • Acquinton Elementary and Hamilton Holmes Middle
• King and Queen County  -- $174,016
  • Central High 
• Lancaster County  -- $27,200
  • Lancaster High
• Lunenburg County -- $65,600
  • Central High, Kenbridge Elementary, Lunenburg Middle and Victoria Elementary
• Nottoway County  -- $110,819
  • Blackstone Primary, Crewe Primary, Nottoway Intermediate and Nottoway Middle 
• Orange County -- $250,000
  • Locust Grove Middle and Orange County High
• Powhatan County  -- $59,200
  • Flat Rock Elementary 
• Prince George County  -- $161,003 
  • David A. Harrison Elementary, J.E.J. Moore Middle, L.L. Beazley Elementary, Middle Road Elementary, North Elementary and South Elementary
• Sussex County  -- $131,200 
  • Sussex Central Elementary