RPS receives $162,000 state grant for school security equipment

The Virginia Department of Education awarded Richmond Public Schools $162,000 to update or install new cameras, communication and lock systems across 17 schools.

They were identified as those with the most urgent equipment needs, said John Beazley, the division’s director of care and safety.

“Every school system, including ours, has a list, ‘Hey, this is what we need to improve safety in our schools. This school could use this, this school could use that.’ And it’s really just a way to get funding to do that stuff,” said Beazley. 

Each school’s needs are different. For example, some money will go toward cameras that will cover the entire playground at Blackwell Elementary, after officials noticed that current video surveillance was not catching the whole vicinity. The front desk office at Armstrong High School will receive a new iPad that employs Raptor Technologies, a school safety software used in the division that screens visitors. Officials will also install locks at G.H Reid Elementary that can automatically lock down the school in the case of an emergency.

Richmond routinely applies for the grant every year. The amount covers about 75% of RPS’ total cost of projects for the 17 schools, as the state department requires school divisions to match 25% of the grant provided. 

“This stuff is expensive,” Beazley said. “It is really a way to enhance security in school buildings when the local budget may not allow for it.”

Beazley said he expects the division to implement the equipment before March of next year.

Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at vifatusin@richmonder.org