Ohio Awarding $10 Million To Support More Secure Schools

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio will award a total of $10 million to K-12 public schools and colleges to improve their security.

The grants will be distributed through the Ohio School Safety Center, Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday. Approximately $5 million in grants will be given to Ohio colleges and universities, while another $5 million will be distributed to K-12 public schools.

“It’s important that we work proactively to ensure that our school buildings and grounds are as safe as possible to protect both students and staff,” DeWine said. The grants will be used to pinpoint security weaknesses and make needed upgrades, the governor added.

To qualify for grant funding, schools must conduct a security and vulnerability assessment. The results will guide how grants will be awarded and how they will be used. Eligible expenses could include improved lighting in parking lots, security cameras at building entrances, or new, secure doors.

Grant applications will be accepted through July 16.

Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner believes these grants represent the first time a governor and the General Assembly worked together to provide security enhancement funding for Ohio schools.

Senate Bill 310 authorized the grant program.

"These state-based grant dollars provide an opportunity for schools to collaborate with first responders to not only identify areas of improvement for security and safety, but actually have the means to do something about it and fill the gaps to keep students and staff safe," said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Tom Stickrath.