State Rep. Beth Griffin, of Mattawan, announced that both Van Buren ISD and Mattawan Consolidated Schools will be receiving Michigan State Police School Safety Grant Program awards.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) recently announced that 125 public school districts, 66 non-public schools, 20 public charter schools and 9 intermediate school districts/regional educational service agencies will receive $25 million in state grants from the 2019 Competitive School Safety Grant Program. These funds will go towards improving the safety and security of students, staff and school buildings through the purchase of technology and equipment.

“As both an educator and a legislator, ensuring safety in our classrooms has always been a priority of mine,” Rep. Griffin said. “I appreciate MSP for their great work on this program and am truly thankful to see funding going towards protecting students here in our community.”

Van Buren ISD will receive a Program Area 2 grant worth $380,745 and Mattawan Consolidated schools will receive a Program Area 1 grant worth $43,241.

Grant recipients will have until June 1, 2020 to spend their awards. Eligible expenditures include: physical security enhancement equipment; improved or hardened exterior access points of school buildings or enhanced entryways; public address systems; inspection and screening systems, including metal detectors; shatterproof glass or film for exterior doors and windows; signage; fences and gates; mobile telephone applications; and school safety assessments, such as those conducted by the Department of Homeland Security or a comparable private contractor service.

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