Virginia has allocated $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 433 schools across 99 school divisions, representing the state’s latest investment in educational safety infrastructure.
The Virginia Department of Education announced on October 9 the funding distribution, which brings total security infrastructure investments to $60 million since fiscal year 2022. A total of 1,132 public schools have received enhanced security funding during this period.
How Virginia’s School Security Grants Are Distributed
School divisions received grants through a competitive application process, with awards capping at $250,000 per division. The Virginia Department of Education and Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services evaluated applications based on specific criteria prioritizing schools with the greatest security needs.
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Evaluation factors included:
- Schools with higher offense rates
- Identified equipment gaps from security audits
- Limited local resources for security upgrades
- Overall equipment needs assessment
Types of Security Equipment and Technology Funded
The grants fund various security technologies designed to enhance campus safety and emergency response capabilities. Approved equipment categories include:
- Voice and video internal communication systems
- Mass notification systems
- Security card access and visitor ID badging systems
- Surveillance cameras and two-way radios
- Secure vestibules
- Interior and bus-mounted cameras
Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson stated that the funding addresses parental concerns about student safety while enabling educators to maintain their focus on instruction. The grants target infrastructure improvements including secure entrances, updated surveillance systems and modern safety equipment.
The 2025-2026 grant cycle covers schools across 99 school divisions, demonstrating broad geographic distribution of security funding throughout Virginia. Recipients were selected based on ranked application scores derived from competitive criteria developed by state education and criminal justice agencies.
The funding represents continued state investment in educational security infrastructure, with participating schools ranging from those with documented security deficiencies to facilities requiring equipment updates to meet current safety standards.
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The grant amounts range from just under $6,000 to $250,000. The school divisions receiving the largest grants include:
- Accomack County
- Amelia County
- Fairfax County
- Fauquier County
- Harrisonburg City
- Henrico County
- Hopewell City
- Newport News City
- Orange County
- Spotsylvania County
- York County
Click here to review all of the grant awards for 2025-2026.
