1,226 schools in Ohio seek security grants

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Applications covering more than 1,200 Ohio schools have been submitted for state grants to pay for emergency radios and entrance security features for such buildings.

An allotment of $12 million is available to help schools buy security measures such as special radios that educators can use to silently call for help with the push of a button. Ohio officials worked with a manufacturer and law enforcement representatives to develop the specialized radio system after the school shooting massacre in Newtown, Conn., last December.

A program run by the Ohio School Facilities Commission allows districts to receive $2,000 to purchase such an alert system or $5,000 to equip a school entrance with cameras, intercoms and secured doors. The cost for schools is a $20 monthly fee for each radio.

Statewide, applications have been submitted to cover 1,226 schools. The commission will ask lawmakers for more money if the $12 million allotment is exhausted, commission spokesman Rick Savors said.