State releases money for school security improvements

November 19, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

The state Controlling Board released $12 million Monday as part of a new grant program to help school districts improve their security systems and also released funds for roof repairs at Youngstown State University.

The capital funds were included in the biennial budget, approved by lawmakers earlier this year and signed into law by Gov. John Kasich hours before the start of the new fiscal year July 1.

Schools will be reimbursed up to $2,000 for new emergency communications systems and up to $5,000 for increased entrance security, the latter including cameras, intercoms and remote-access equipment.

Districts received notification of the new program last month, with application deadlines set over the next two years.

According to documents, “The program and associated funds are not designed to serve as a complete solution for school security but instead serve as a way to address the most crucial needs of first-responder communications and secure building access. Because the funds are capital bond dollars, they cannot be used to pay for any operating expenses or personnel, such as school resource officers.”

In other business, the controlling board released $167,877 for renovations at Youngstown State University.

The funds will be used to replace roofing at Ward Beecher Hall and the pedestrian bridge, according to documents.

N.F. Mansuetto & Sons Inc. of Martins Ferry is handling the project.