Demetriou Announces School Security Funding

COLUMBUS – State Representative Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.) announces eight schools in the 35th House District will receive more than $244,000 in Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program funding.

“Protecting our children is a goal shared by all Ohio parents,” said Demetriou. “This grant funding will provide schools the resources they need to ensure the safety of our children while receiving a quality education.”

The eight schools that will be receiving funds are in the Springfield Local schools, Tallmadge City schools, Southeast Local schools and Windham Exempted Village school districts. 

Funding for this latest round of grants, totaling $112 million, supported more than 900 schools across Ohio. The legislation was passed by the Ohio General Assembly in December of 2022 as part of House Bill 45 of the 134th General Assembly. The Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program was initially created in the previous state operating budget with additional funding authorized to provide a total of $173 million in funding for schools to make physical security expenses. 

These security improvements include: new security cameras, public address systems, automatic door locks, visitor badging systems and exterior lighting improvements. Schools could receive a maximum of $100,000 per building. 

Funding for this program came from a mix of ARPA dollars and State General Revenue funds. The remaining $44 million will be released in the fifth round of funding.