Funding recommended for more than 260 school safety projects throughout the state

CONCORD, NH — Continuing with its efforts to ensure that students and staff throughout New Hampshire schools are safe, a recommendation has been made to support 262 school security projects. 

This month, the Public School Infrastructure Commission finalized its recommended list of school safety projects aimed to enhance access control, emergency alerting and surveillance. Overall, the Commission’s recommendation includes a total allocation of $9,668,202.68 to be utilized for 262 security projects at 163 schools throughout the state. 

“The implementation of crucial school security projects is paramount, and these recommended grant awards underscore the ongoing commitment to help ensure the security of New Hampshire’s children,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner.  

As part of the third round of the Security Action for Education (SAFE) grants program, 630 applications were presented to the Public School Infrastructure Commission for review and 262 projects are being recommended for grant awards. These grants are contingent upon review and approval by Governor and Executive Council and the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee likely in the first quarter of 2024.

“The committee’s recommendations show our commitment to the safety of our schools,” said Robert Buxton, Director of the Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “These projects will not only increase safety but also will help to provide peace of mind to students, staff and parents.”

During previous rounds of SAFE grants, about $13.9 million was awarded to 341 schools throughout the state. Schools that did not receive SAFE grants in round one or round two were prioritized during this new, third round of applications, and the Commission made its award recommendations on a first-in-first-out basis. There is also a waitlist for round three.