IEMA encourages public schools, colleges to submit school security grant application by March 14

Total of $25 million in grants to be awarded for security enhancements

[March 13, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Emergency Management Agency encourages public elementary and secondary school districts, community colleges, and state universities to submit their applications for a portion of $25 million in grants to be awarded under the Illinois School Security Grant program. The deadline for submitting applications is March 14.

"We encourage every eligible school district and college campus to submit a grant application," said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. "We want to support as many security enhancement projects as possible throughout the state with the available funding."

The grant program is focused on measures that will enhance security for students and staff at elementary and secondary schools, such as installing reinforced doors, shatter-resistant glass and physical locks for the primary public entrance at schools. Schools that have achieved this baseline capability will be able to implement other security measures.

Public community colleges and universities may request funding to install physical security enhancement equipment, inspection and screening systems, information technology, and interoperable communication equipment for academic classroom buildings.

Monken said security equipment that is available through this grant program is only a component of a school's preparedness.

"To truly protect students, schools need to actively participate in other internal and communitywide preparations for an emergency," Monken said. "A comprehensive program to protect students must involve local public safety and include ongoing planning, training and exercises."

Only one application per public school district, community college or university will be accepted. Grant awards will be announced this spring. More information about the security grant program is available at www.ready.illinois.gov. Schools should direct questions to [e-mail].

[Text from Illinois Emergency Management Agency file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

Preparedness information is also available through the Ready Illinois Facebook and Twitter pages.