5 Henrico schools earn state security funding

Five Henrico County elementary schools will receive a combined $250,000 as part of the Virginia Department of Education’s 2025–26 School Security Equipment Grants program, the agency announced Oct. 9.

Mehfoud, Glen Allen, Trevvett, Ridge, and Carver elementary schools were among 433 schools in 99 divisions statewide to earn funding from the $12 million initiative, which supports upgrades such as surveillance cameras, two-way radios, security card access systems, visitor ID badging and mass notification technology.

The grants are part of a broader statewide investment in student safety totaling $60 million since Gov. Glenn Youngkin took office in 2022, benefiting more than 1,100 public schools statewide.

Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson said the program highlights a shared priority among state and local officials.

“The safety and security of Virginia’s students, educators, and school communities remain paramount priorities for this administration,” Anderson said. “Working in close partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and local school divisions, we are making meaningful progress toward safer learning environments where students can focus on what matters most — learning and thriving.”

Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson said the program addresses a key concern for families.

“Every parent wants to know their child is safe at school,” she said. “By investing in secure entrances, updated cameras, and modern safety systems, we’re giving teachers and students the peace of mind to focus on learning and families the confidence that their local public schools are protected.”

School divisions were eligible for up to $250,000 each through a competitive process prioritizing schools with higher offense rates, identified equipment gaps and limited local resources.

To view the full list of awarded schools statewide, visit www.doe.virginia.gov