Warren County Schools Secure $31,611 in State Security Grants

Three Warren County schools—Hilda J. Barbour Elementary, Skyline High, and Warren County Middle—will benefit from a share of Virginia’s $12 million School Security Equipment Grants. The funding, awarded to 96 school divisions and 472 schools statewide, aims to bolster safety measures for students, staff, and visitors.

Warren County received $31,611, which will go toward upgrades such as surveillance cameras, visitor ID systems, security vestibules, and other critical tools to enhance school safety. The grants are part of a competitive 2024-2025 school year process, with funds prioritized for schools demonstrating high-security needs or financial constraints.

“The equipment purchased with these grants will help ensure the safety of all students and staff in Virginia’s public schools,” said Lisa Coons, Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. She emphasized the importance of secure environments for students to thrive on campus and during transit.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services established criteria to identify schools with pressing security needs, high incident rates, and insufficient resources for upgrades. Each division was eligible for up to $250,000 in funding.

The grant-funded improvements will enhance communication systems, expand surveillance capabilities, and fortify access controls across the selected schools, ensuring a safer, more supportive environment for Warren County students.