Connecticut Provides $16 Million Boost in School Safety Funding

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HARTFORD, Conn. — Following an announcement by Governor Daniel P. Malloy, an additional 435 Connecticut schools across 75 districts will receive special funding as a part of the School Security Grant Program. Malloy had initially released $5 million in state funds in September, which then served 169 schools across the state.
The recent funding boost will provide safety funds to a total of 604 schools statewide.

With the release of these additional funds, roughly $21 million has now been dedicated to school safety through the issuing of state bonds. In a statement, Malloy said, “This allows us to continue to get resources out to the cities and towns that have begun work to modernize their security infrastructure, and ramp up safety procedures at school buildings.” He also said added funding and security will never be able to prevent every random act of violence, but that the administration and schools can take additional steps to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

In a release issued by the governor’s office, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said, “So many of our cities and towns have decided that security must be stepped up at their schools, and I believe state government has an obligation to assist them in doing that. This funding is an invest that will help protect our children and give them the safe learning environment they deserve.”

“Public safety is a core function in our government,” added Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford, in a statement. “These additional funds show the commitment and investment Governor Malloy has made to our children and educators and is another vital step in strengthening the infrastructure of our schools, while maintaining a welcoming learning environment.”

DESPP officials have received applications for the installation of surveillance cameras, bulletproof glass, electric locks, buzzer and card entry system, panic alarms and other security tools. All funding and reimbursements will be administered by the DESPP and the Department of Construction Services, and were allocated based on school security assessment surveys conducted by the local districts. The governor’s statement added that another round of funding will be announced soon.

Connecticut Department of Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor was also pleased with the funding announcement. “Providing safe learning environments for students and educators is a collective responsibility shared by the state, municipalities, local districts and the community,” he said in a statement. “We are grateful to the Governor, the General Assembly, and our partner state agencies for continuing to recognize the importance of this aid to enhancing the safety of our schools.”