For Immediate Release
On July 1, 2023, the Oklahoma State Department of Education ("SDE") appropriated $1.4 Million in funds to be distributed as grants through the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security ("ODEMHS"). The Grants consisted of awards up to $50,000. Eligible applicants include public and private technical centers and higher education institutions. The Oklahoma School and Campus Safety and Security Grant Program aims to provide funding to improve the safety and security of educational environments for students, teachers, and staff.
Nearly 400 education institutions applied, and 38 grants were awarded. The awards were distributed to twenty-three school campuses, two charter school campuses, three private school campuses, three college/university campuses, and seven Tech-Center campuses. Shady Point Schools was the only school in the area that received one of these grants.
"We are thrilled to have an additional $50,000 in funds to continue to provide a safe learning environment for our students", says Bruce Gillham, Shady Point Superintendent.
"We have put a lot of work and funds into our safety program's physical, observational, and communication components. With these funds, we will add fencing, security doors, electronic locks, and access systems to our physical security. For observational and communication purposes, the district is adding new cameras to cover external door access, radios, PA systems, and signage to ensure our students are safe, secure, and ready to learn."
"Thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety for the opportunity to apply for this funding. Additionally, I want to thank Mr. Keith Stewart from the Oklahoma School Security Institute for conducting the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment. Both the opportunity provided by the Oklahoma DPS and the information provided by Mr. Stewart were essential to this application process."
Shady Point Schools
Shady Point Public Schools is a rural K-8 school district in southeastern Oklahoma. The school district consists of 26 total staff members who meet the needs of 182 students daily.
ODEMHS:
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) is dedicated to enhancing the safety and security of communities across Oklahoma. ODEMHS empowers organizations to better prepare for and respond to disasters by providing critical grants and resources.