The final details are being added to Safety Grant applications that, if successful, could bring $400,000 to the district for use in upgrading building safety and security.
The application deadline is October 3rd. The district will submit four applications, one for each of its schools. Each school is eligible to receive up to $100,000.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced in August that more than 4,000 eligible public schools, districts, and chartered nonpublic schools can apply for the grant opportunity. The funding is part of the state’s $100 million Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program. The grant is also in partnership with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) and the Ohio School Safety Center.
Money from the grant can only be used to “harden the shell” of schools, Superintendent Tracey Miller said. It cannot be used for personnel costs such as a School Resource Officer, for example.
If the grants are awarded, New Richmond Schools could use the money to:
Create two-step entrances at all schools;
Purchase and install video cameras on all campuses;
Purchase and install privacy film on windows;
Purchase and install window covering shades for doors;
Update building public address systems.
Last spring the district installed a two-step entry at the high school. The nearly $40,000 cost can be reimbursed by the grant funds. The district also installed vape detectors in bathrooms at the high school and middle school. This nearly $17,000 safety investment is also reimbursable by the grant.