(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) today announced more than $1.5 million in funding for schools in District 74 to be used for the implementation of additional solutions to address school safety concerns.
The monies are a portion of approximately $35 million in budget funding — $25 million in one-time funding and $10 million in recurring grants — approved as part of Republican-led efforts during the 2018 legislative session to enhance protections for the future leaders of our state.
Dollar amounts were awarded based upon each district’s relative share of the Basic Education Program (BEP) — the formula through which state education dollars are generated and distributed to our schools.
Specifically, Houston County will receive a total of $62,290 ($17,800 in recurring funds, $44,490 in non-recurring monies) for safety enhancements related to vehicle control, visitor management, communications, and school resource officers — areas identified during a recently conducted school security review and assessment of facilities in the county.
Additionally, $102,770 ($29,360 in recurring funding, $73,410 in non-recurring dollars) has been allocated to Humphreys County for improvements in signage, access control, and surveillance at their local academic institutions.
Finally, Montgomery County will receive $1,412,956 ($491,926 in recurring monies, $921,030 in non-recurring funds) for upgrades to perimeter and access control, as well as communications enhancements.
“I am grateful that our schools will receive this important funding to better protect our future leaders,” said Representative Reedy. “I appreciate the partnership between our local school officials, the state, and members of our local law enforcement communities during their thoughtful review, assessment, and application for these resources. Our children are our future; they should not have to worry about their personal safety while working to achieve their academic goals and dreams. I was honored to fight for them by supporting recommendations made by members of the working group on school safety, which resulted in these funding allocations. We will continue to identify solutions to further enhance their well-being in the years ahead.”
As part of the application process, school leaders partnered with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Department of Education, and local law enforcement to complete assessments of current safety measures in place at area academic institutions.
All 147 school districts in Tennessee received a portion of school safety funding. For more information, please clicking here.
Jay Reedy serves as a member of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee, as well as the House Education Instruction & Programs Committee. He lives in Erin and represents House District 74, which includes all of Houston, Humphreys, and part of Montgomery Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Jay.Reedy@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7098.
