Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
KING AND QUEEN — Central High School in King and Queen County will receive new security measures thanks to a safety investment package of more than $200,000. The Virginia Department of Education recently awarded $176,016 to Central High School via the state’s Security Equipment Grants program, which is channeling $12 million to 433 schools in 99 divisions across the commonwealth. King William County received $96,000 from the VDOE. King and Queen County Public Schools provided a local match of $43,504, ensuring that just over $217,500 will be spent on security equipment, the school division stated in a news release. The investment “emphasizes the division’s continued commitment to keeping students safe and ensuring that every child can learn, grow, and thrive in a secure environment,” the division said. The grant will fund new security lighting systems on interior and exterior walls at the high school, as well as voice and video internal communication systems. The money will finance new school perimeter security fencing and hurricane or intruder security window film. It will also allow the school to beef up security at its entrances, either through door hardware or electronic card access control reader systems for ID verification. The grant will fund technology hardware equipment to support mass notification systems and classroom security door hardware. “The safety and security of Virginia’s students, educators, and school communities remain paramount priorities for this administration,” Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson said in announcing the grants. “These targeted investments reflect a steadfast commitment to advancing prevention, preparedness, and protection across the Commonwealth.” The 2025-2026 grants were awarded through a competitive process, with eligible school divisions receiving up to $250,000 each. Virginia schools have tightened up their security in recent years against a backdrop of mass shootings across the nation. “By investing in modern safety systems, we’re giving teachers and students the peace of mind to focus on learning, and families the confidence that their local schools are protected,” state Schools Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson stated in a statement. Last year, King William County Public Schools received a safety and security grant of $127,384 from federal and state funds to install metal detectors at King William High School and Hamilton-Holmes Middle School. David Macaulay, Davidmacaulayva@gmail.com
