Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.2 Million to 143 School Districts to Improve School Safety

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.2 Million to 143 School Districts to Improve School Safety

FRAMINGHAM – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito hosted a roundtable discussion on school safety at Walsh Middle School in Framingham and announced $7.2 million in grants awarded to more than 140 school districts across the Commonwealth to upgrade school security equipment and technology to bolster public safety resources for students and staff.  

The grant funds will enable schools to upgrade and install crucial security infrastructure, including exterior door locks, surveillance video cameras, school site alarms, interoperable communications systems and active shooter detection systems. The grants are being awarded by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in conjunction with the Executive Office of Education.

Superintendents and school officials, as well as public safety officials, discussed what they are doing to keep students safe. The Governor and Lt. Governor were joined by Education Secretary James Peyser, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Undersecretary Benincasa Thorpe, as well as Framingham Police Chief Steven Trask and Framingham Fire Chief Joseph Hicks.

“These investments will provide much needed safety resources to our students and teachers in schools across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with school officials to understand how we can better protect our schools, and we are pleased to have worked with the Legislature to award this round of grants. We are hopeful that we can continue this discussion as we consider this year’s budget to build on these efforts in more communities.” 

“Our administration is grateful for the input and expertise from school superintendents, mental health experts and law enforcement officials that helped us develop a package of school safety initiatives,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “It is crucial we continue to give Massachusetts schools the resources and tools they need.”

The grant funding was included in a Fiscal Year 2018 supplemental budget proposed by the Governor and passed by the Legislature. The budget bill signed by the Governor also included $7.5 million in additional aid for school districts to hire social workers, mental health counselors and psychologists.

In July 2018, Governor Baker proposed wide-ranging school safety legislation that included funds to support school safety, strengthen mental health programs in schools and address substance misuse prevention, education and screening for students. Additionally, Governor Baker joined Lt. Governor Polito, Education Secretary James Peyser, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, and former Public Safety and Security Secretary Daniel Bennett in August 2018 and met with school superintendents, principals, and local police chiefs to discuss school safety and what could be done locally to keep students safer. 

“We must think about protecting our students and teachers from the threat of violence in the classroom,” said Secretary of Education James Peyser. “By strengthening student supports, as well as upgrading security measures, we aim to do more to keep Massachusetts students safe.”

 “A safe, secure learning environment is essential to student success,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “At a time when school violence is a major concern across the nation, these grants represent an important investment in children’s physical safety and educational development.”

“As a former superintendent and school counselor, I know the importance of getting additional dollars into both building improvements and student supports,” said Commissioner Jeff Riley. “We will continue to work with superintendents to help keep students safe.”

“We are honored to open our doors today in Framingham and to offer a warm greeting by our students and staff in celebration of this incredible investment,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Robert A. Tremblay. “Schools only become safe and secure places when our students feel that they belong. In addition to implementing the necessary infrastructure supports, we emphasize the importance of relationships so that our students feel connected to their peers and the adults in our schools.”