State grants awards $250,000 to enhance safety at area schools

TINLEY PARK – Meadow Ridge, Nob Hill Elementary School and Tinley Park High School are a few of the 18 area schools to receive a state investment for security improvements.  

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced grant awards totaling $250,000 to enhance security at public elementary and secondary schools in the Southland.

The grant will support 59 projects to improve the safety for students, staff and visitors. Projects include, reinforced security doors at primary entrances, installing exterior lighting, locks and security cameras as well as creating secure waiting areas.

 “The projects that were selected focus on enhancing school entrance security,” Hastings said. “We want our schools to be as safe as possible, and studies have shown that something as simple as installing a drop-off window can add a layer of security.”

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency announced the Illinois School and Campus Safety Grant Program earlier this year. Schools districts and colleges submitted proposals to the program, outlining what safety measures they hoped to get funded.

IEMA received grant applications totaling $54 million from 623 public school districts, colleges and universities.