The Michigan State Police has announced that 135 public school districts, 66 non-public schools, 20 public charter schools and nine intermediate school districts / regional educational service agencies will receive $25 million in state grants from the 2019 Competitive School Safety Grant Program to improve the safety and security of students, staff and school buildings through the purchase of technology and equipment.

 

In the WBCH listening area, the following schools will receive grants with no matching funds required: Thornapple Kellogg in Middleville, $135,045; St. Rose Catholic School in Hastings, $6,935; Martin Public Schools, $15,473; Glenn Public Schools, $48,770; Allegan Area Educational Service Agency, $105,038; St. Mary’s Visitation School in Dorr, $46,478; Plainwell Public Schools, $62,406; and St. Michael’s Catholic School in Grand Ledge, $26,980.

 

Grant awards with matching funds required include:

Eaton Rapids Public Schools, $442,773; Potterville Public Schools, $149,844; and Hudsonville Public Schools, $235,124.

 

“Safety for our children should always be a top priority,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “Every parent should have the peace of mind that their children are receiving an education that allows them to achieve their dreams under the safest possible conditions.”

 

Grant applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Michigan State Police, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools and other school safety professionals.

 

In total, 366 applications were received, requesting over $46 million in funding for security enhancements. Per the appropriation, priority was given to applicants who had not received school safety grant funds in the past. Grant recipients have until June 1, 2020, to spend their awards.

 

The list of award recipients is available at www.michigan.gov/cjgrants.