Virginia, October 13, 2025
News Summary
The Virginia Department of Education has announced a $12 million allocation for security equipment grants to enhance safety in 433 schools across 99 divisions. This funding includes various security tools like mass notification systems and surveillance cameras, aiming to address growing concerns over school safety. Priority in grant distribution is given to schools with a history of security offenses and limited resources. The initiative reflects Virginia’s commitment to ensuring secure environments for students and staff.
Richmond, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is allocating $12 million for security equipment grants aimed at enhancing safety across 433 schools statewide. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns regarding student safety in schools and acknowledges the necessity for improved security measures in educational institutions.
The funding will be distributed to a total of 99 divisions throughout Virginia, directly benefiting various public schools. The approved equipment under the School Security Equipment Grants includes mass notification systems, security card access systems, visitor ID badging systems, surveillance cameras, and bus-mounted cameras. This diverse range of tools is designed to bolster the security framework for students and staff during school hours.
Grant amounts have been determined based on criteria set by the VDOE in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Schools demonstrating greater needs, a history of security offenses, and limited financial resources received priority in funding distribution.
Marcus Anderson, the Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring student safety, while Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson emphasized the critical importance of secure environments for both students and teachers. This funding marks a notable increase in security infrastructure spending by the state, bringing the total to $60 million since Governor Glenn Youngkin assumed office in FY2022. In total, 1,132 public schools have benefited from such funding since then.
Parents across Virginia have expressed appreciation for the allocation, stressing the necessity of safety for children in schools. Recent incidents, including a gun discovered at Kecoughtan High School, have reinforced the demand for enhanced security measures.
Particular grants have been awarded to several counties in the Hampton Roads area, including Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and Accomack County. Other localities such as Gloucester County, Isle of Wight County, Mathews County, and York County will also receive funding as part of this initiative. Moreso, schools in Southwest Virginia, including Dickenson, Lee, Smyth, Washington, Wise counties, and the city of Bristol, will benefit from these grants as well.
The funding specifically outlines that local school divisions must provide a 25% match of the grant amount as mandated by VDOE policy. For instance, Accomack County has been allotted $250,000 for four schools to procure security equipment through this grant program.
This investment represents a broader trend towards improving school safety through technology and established safety procedures. The National Association of School Resource Officers has highlighted the importance of not only technology but also the need for robust personnel and policies to ensure effective school safety.
As schools prepare to implement the new security measures, stakeholders remain optimistic that these enhancements will contribute significantly to creating safer educational environments for all students.
FAQ Section
What is the total amount allocated by the Virginia Department of Education for school security equipment grants?
The Virginia Department of Education is investing $12 million in security equipment for schools.
How many schools will benefit from the funding?
A total of 433 schools across 99 divisions in Virginia will receive funding.
What types of equipment will the grants support?
Approved equipment includes mass notification systems, security card access systems, visitor ID badging systems, surveillance cameras, and bus-mounted cameras.
Who prioritized the schools for funding?
Priority was given to schools with greater needs, higher security offenses, and limited financial resources, as determined by VDOE and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
What are the financial requirements for local school divisions receiving the grants?
Local school divisions must provide a 25% match of the grant amount, as per VDOE policy.
How much total funding has been allocated for school security since FY2022?
The investment brings the total for security infrastructure to $60 million since Governor Glenn Youngkin took office in FY2022.
Key Features of Funding Allocation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Allocation | $12 million |
| Total Schools Funded | 433 schools |
| Divisions Involved | 99 divisions |
| Types of Equipment | Mass notification systems, security card access systems, visitor ID badging systems, surveillance cameras, bus-mounted cameras |
| Eligibility Criteria | Greater needs, higher security offenses, limited financial resources |
| Statewide Total Funding Since FY2022 | $60 million |
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: School Security
- Wric
- Google Search: School Security Equipment Grants
- WJHL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- WMDT
- Google News: Virginia School Security Grants
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