By Rochelle Moore Paxton Media Group / The Lenoir News Topic
Caldwell County Schools is one of more than 200 school districts and charter schools set to receive a share of $35 million in state funds for school safety needs.
Of the 230 grants awarded, Caldwell County Schools will receive a $400,000 safety grant from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools. Oak Hill Charter School in Lenoir will also receive a $30,000 safety grant.
The grants will be used for safety equipment, such as cameras, vape detectors, radios and weapons detection systems, as well as for training and services for students experiencing a crisis, according to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
Training can include professional development for school leaders to help students who are experiencing anxiety or trauma or if they are grappling with conduct or behavior problems. The grant can also go toward school-based mental health services.
“In our district, the grant request was written primarily for weapons detection systems and vape detection systems,” said Libby Brown, Caldwell County Schools public information officer. “Similar needs will be met throughout the state for safety equipment and training.”
CCS Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services Audy Puhl said that safety is always a priority in the school system.
“Securing these safety items through grant funds adds another component to the strong safety measures that are in place,” Puhl said.
Area counties also set to receive grants include Watauga County Schools, $300,000; Wilkes County Schools, $150,000; Alexander County Schools, $98,000; Catawba County Schools, $200,000; and Burke County Schools, $98,100.
Grant applications for the funding were thoroughly reviewed by state leaders, said Karen W. Fairley, Center for Safer Schools executive director.
“It is part of the center’s mandate and mission to give public-school units the tools they need to help keep their schools safer — that includes grant funding,” she said. “We thank the General Assembly for its generous appropriation that enables us to support North Carolina public schools.”
N.C. Superintendent Catherine Truitt said the need for school safety funding is crucial in ensuring students’ well-being throughout their educational journey.
“Nothing is more important than making our schools safer and more secure, and these grants will continue to play a vital role,” Truitt said. “This funding will help improve school security in many ways, including updating technology and training to prevent future emergencies.
“I applaud state lawmakers for making this a priority and look forward to working with them to deliver more safety funding in the future.”
The largest charter school grant of $187,330 was approved for Henderson Collegiate.
The school districts receiving the largest grant awards are Gaston County Schools, at $750,000; Onslow County Schools, $700,000; and Rockingham County Schools, $575,000.
School districts receiving the highest grant awards include Cabarrus County Schools, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Johnston County Public Schools, Wake County Schools and Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools are each set to receive a $500,000 grant.