Twin Rivers and Neelyville schools have received grant money to enhance safety measures, according to Gov. Mike Parson.
Some 169 school districts and charter schools have been awarded grants from the newly established School Safety Grant Program.
Twin Rivers has been awarded $150,000, while Neelyville R-4 will receive $100,000.
Heather Black, superintendent of the Neelyville School District, confirmed that plans for utilizing the funding are scheduled to be discussed at the May 18 board meeting. Parson stressed the importance of improving the safety and security of schools and expressed his support for these grants, which aim to maintain safe learning environments for Missouri children. He acknowledged the presence of violence in classrooms but emphasized the necessity of preparedness and adequate resources.
Tracie Austin Gowen, director of special education for Twin Rivers School District, outlined the safety measures being considered by the district. These measures include the implementation of new video surveillance and software, updates to chain-link fencing to secure play areas, installation of bollards, which are the steel or concrete barriers that are placed at entrance areas to serve as a protective perimeter, and updates to the security alarm system.
Parson describes the grant program as a means to facilitate school safety enhancements, encompassing upgrades to physical security, technological advancements and other relevant improvements within school facilities.
Black said several areas where the Neelyville district is considering allocating the funding include upgrades or the purchase of a new two-way radio system, bleeding control kits and automated external defibrillators.
Tonya Snider, the federal program director for Twin Rivers, highlighted the challenges encountered during the grant application process.
“The most difficult part of the grant application was estimating the cost and getting assessments of what the schools’ needs were in terms of safety,” she said.
Gowen expressed confidence these measures would provide reassurance to students, parents, staff and the community, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety and peace of mind.
“The measures will reassure students, parents, staff and the community that we want to keep everyone safe and give them peace of mind,” she stated.