We’re excited to announce that the St. James R-1 School District has been awarded the Department of Justice COPS School Violence Prevention Program Grant! This $207,927 grant will enable key safety upgrades, including a district-wide two-way radio system, enhanced video surveillance, and upgraded entryways at the High School and Middle School.
As the District Safety Coordinator, Mrs. Becky Daniels has been dedicated to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn in a secure environment. After identifying safety needs during a vulnerability assessment in the summer of 2023, Mrs. Daniels, along with Dr. Williams and Mr. Webster, determined that enhancing communication capabilities, surveillance, and building entryways were top priorities for district safety. After researching equipment options and consulting with various companies, Mrs. Daniels took on the extensive task of writing the grant, incorporating feedback from Dr. Williams, who finished the draft for submission.
This matching grant, requiring a $69,000 contribution from the district, is a crucial step toward these goals. With support from the Board, the district plans to complete these projects over the next 36 months, making meaningful strides toward a safer environment for all.
As Mrs. Daniels shares, “There is nothing more important than staff and student safety, and we will continue to look for avenues to secure funding to continue to evolve our district into the safest place for everyone who walks through our doors.”
This grant represents another step in our ongoing commitment to strengthening safety and security across the district.