September 23, 2013
Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) and State Representative Mike D'Agostino (D-Hamden) announced that the Hamden school system has been awarded a state school security grant. Hamden schools will receive $152,505, which will be matched by $107,873 from the town.
The grant is part of the first round of Competitive Grants for school security, stemming from the Gun Violence Prevention and Children's Safety Act passed by the legislature this year.
"Improving school security was one of the cornerstones of our bipartisan gun safety legislation, and these grants are an important investment in keeping our children safe as they learn," said Sharkey, a chief sponsor of the new law. "Students, parents, teachers, and all school employees deserve to know that their school is as safe and secure learning environment as possible."
"As the former Board Chairperson, I know that a safe and secure learning environment is the priority for every teacher, principal and school employee," said D'Agostino, a member of the legislature's Education Committee. "This grant helps the town achieve that goal."
Funds can be used for costs associated with security infrastructure improvements made in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Planned upgrades in Hamden schools include improved public address (PA) systems, digital two-way radio communications systems as well as reinforced windows and doors.
A school security assessment survey was conducted by each local school district that applied for the grants. The surveys were used to determine this first round of allocations, with additional grants expected in the future.
The state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is administering the grants in consultation with the Department of Education and the Department of Construction Services.