NPS Receives Nearly $240,000 in State School Security Grants

Norwalk Public Schools has been awarded two grants totaling nearly $240,000 from the State of Connecticut to support safety and security in schools.

NPS received $210,303 from the Connecticut Multimedia School Security Grant Program. The grant provides funding to schools to implement multimedia security projects that create a direct line of communication between the school and local law enforcement. The goal of this grant is to make communications and information sharing between first responders and schools as quick and seamless as possible. 

The district also was awarded $28,190 from the Connecticut School Security Grant. This grant is a competitive grant that provides funding to schools to implement security infrastructure improvements. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, replacement or enhancements to doors and windows, access control systems, perimeter security (such as fencing, lighting, bollards, etc.), interior and/or exterior camera systems and panic alarm systems.

“These grants will help aid effective communication between Norwalk Public Schools and the Norwalk Police Department. Our fruitful partnership with local law enforcement helps us to ensure that our district is a safe and exciting place to learn. We aim to instill the utmost confidence for parents and guardians that, when their children step through our doors, they are safe, secure and our number-one priority,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alexandra Estrella.

The Norwalk Police Department fully supported the district’s grant application last spring. Norwalk Public Schools regularly partners with the police department to enhance communications, transparency, safety and security for staff and students across the district.

“The Norwalk Police Department works collaboratively with the Norwalk Public Schools to maintain school safety and maintain an atmosphere of learning and growth for its students,” said James Walsh, Police Chief of Norwalk Police Department. “The awarding of this grant to Norwalk Public Schools only strengthened communication between the two organizations and enhanced school safety.”