Michigan schools awarded school safety and security grant funding

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. -- Hundreds of Michigan schools are receiving $25 million in state grants to beef up school safety and security.

The funding is from the 2019 Competitive School Safety Grant Program.

According to the Michigan State Police, schools will buy technology and equipment to enhance the safety and security of students, staff, and school buildings.

Five area schools are on the recipient list:

• Cassopolis Public Schools - $30,942
• Edwardsburg Public Schools - $112,611
• Coloma Community Schools - $173,306
• New Buffalo Area Schools - $97,541
• Niles Community Schools - $442,773 (Match Requirement)

Superintendent of Edwardsburg Public Schools Jim Knoll says a majority of funding will go to improve security at entrances and windows.

“This really provides a level of well-being and safety that wasn’t there before. And as a parent, that makes me feel really good,” Knoll explained.

EPS officials are particularly excited to obtain technology that will enhance the security of windows in school buildings with a shatter resistant material that is placed outside of windows.

At New Buffalo Area Schools, Superintendent Jeffrey Leslie and School Resource Officer Deputy Michael Troup tell ABC57 funding will go to improve PA systems, entryways and windows, and additional security cameras.

“The first and foremost goal is to make sure that the children and the staff feels 100 percent safe at school,” Troup said.

Both Edwardsburg Public Schools and New Buffalo Area Schools officials say the majority of improvement projects will take place this summer.