Accomack and Northampton Schools receive $386K for security equipment

The Virginia Department of Education announced Thursday the awarding of $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 433 schools across 99 school divisions, marking a significant milestone in the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to student and school safety.

Accomack County Public Schools will receive $250,000 for Arcadia High School, Kegotank Elementary, Metompkin Elementary, and Nandua Middle School.

Northampton County will receive $136,493 for Kiptopeke Elementary, Northampton High and Northampton Middle School.

“The safety and security of Virginia’s students, educators, and school communities remain paramount priorities for this Administration. These targeted investments reflect a steadfast commitment to advancing prevention, preparedness, and protection across the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson. “Working in close partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and local school divisions, we are making meaningful progress toward safer learning environments where students can focus on what matters most, learning and thriving.”

This latest round of school security funding brings the total enhanced security infrastructure investments to $60 million since Governor Glenn Youngkin took office in FY2022, with 1,132 public schools benefiting across the Commonwealth. This continued investment underscores Virginia’s dedication to creating safe, secure, and vibrant learning environments for every student in Virginia.

“Every parent wants to know their child is safe at school and these school security infrastructure grants help make that promise real. By investing in secure entrances, updated cameras, and modern safety systems, we’re giving teachers and students the peace of mind to focus on learning and families the confidence that their local public schools are protected,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “The fact that 99 school divisions across the Commonwealth received this support shows our shared commitment to safer classrooms and stronger communities. Protecting students is not a partisan issue; it’s common sense and these funds will help ensure Virginia public schools are equipped with the tools they need to foster both safety and academic success.”

The 2025–2026 grants were awarded through a competitive process, with eligible school divisions receiving up to $250,000 each. Funding decisions were based on a rigorous evaluation of need, prioritizing schools with higher offense rates, identified equipment gaps, and limited local resources. Approved equipment includes:

·       Voice and video internal communication systems

·       Mass notification systems

·       Security card access and visitor ID badging systems

·       Surveillance cameras and two-way radios

·       Security vestibules

·       Interior and bus-mounted cameras

The 433 schools were awarded funds based on a rank ordering of applications’ point total on the competitive application criteria. The criteria developed by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services give priority to schools most in need of modern security equipment, schools with relatively high numbers of offenses, schools with equipment needs identified by a school security audit, and schools in divisions least able to afford security upgrades.