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Schools to beef up security with funds

County districts outline grant plans

Submitted photo Girard City School District Superintendent Bryan O’Hara, right, looks at the security cameras at Girard High School with Assistant High School Principal John Cardiero.

About 13 Trumbull County schools have received the third round of grants awarded as part of the Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program, totaling just over $700,000 for school safety measures.

“We are being proactive in keeping our schools safe in Ohio. Student and staff safety is paramount,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “These safety grants are helping schools create environments that are secure and welcoming for teachers and their students.”

Each district conducted a security and vulnerability assessment completed by a school resource officer at every school.

This assessment scores various safety domains in the building and gives an overall score to determine areas requiring the greatest needs when administering funds from the grant.

BROOKFIELD

Brookfield Local Schools Superintendent Toby Gibson plans to use its $221,466 grant to install panic buttons for medical emergencies for staff and give them the opportunity to get in touch with 911 and administrators for medical needs.

The grant also will cover an upgrade to the school’s security camera system in the entire building complex and install exterior door sensors Gibson said will send an alert to administrators when doors are being propped open.

The transportation department will equip school buses with GPS equipment to ensure their routes are being communicated to the bus garage in case there’s an emergency or delays.

“Any step you take to address school safety adds that layer of safety, the more things you can add helps reduce stress for staff, parents and students,” Gibson said.

GIRARD

Girard City School District Superintendent Bryan O’Hara will have $400,000 to use for its intermediate, junior and senior high and Prospect Elementary schools, where each will get $100,000.

O’Hara wants to focus funding on enhancing the district’s safety and emergency plans, which includes upgrading and adding security cameras.

The district also will install an entrance access monitoring system to better track the flow of staff and visitors throughout the buildings. According to O’Hara, the system will have remote connectivity with the city’s public services.

“Enhancing our school safety and emergency plans plays a crucial role with our academic and nonacademic success, along with creating a more secure and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and community,” O’Hara said.

Others area schools receiving funding:

John F. Kennedy Lower Campus — $70,000

John F. Kennedy Upper Campus — $46,000

Lakeview High School — $46,7000

Trumbull Career and Technical Center — $86,000

Victory Christian School — $100,000

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