(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Micah Van Huss (R-Johnson City), State Representative Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough), and State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) today announced more than $475,000 in funding for safety upgrades at institutions within the Johnson City and Washington County School Districts is now available to area schools.
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.
Each school system submitted funding requests for specific safety needs identified in a recent security review of school facilities conducted by school officials and local law enforcement.
Johnson City Schools will receive a total of $228,760 ($65,360 in recurring funds, $163,400 in non-recurring monies) for safety enhancements related to visitor management, behavioral and mental health positions, and emergency planning. Additionally, $246,600 ($70,460 in recurring funding, $176,140 in non-recurring dollars) has been allocated to the Washington County School District for improvements to visitor management, surveillance, and training at their local academic institutions.
“Spending money to keep our children safe is paramount,” said Representative Van Huss. “I am happy that Johnson City and Washington County Schools have taken the necessary steps to access these funds. It was an honor to be a part of this process and to carry the School Safety Act on behalf of my constituents.”
“The future leaders of our community and our state should not have to worry about threats to their personal safety as they work to pursue their academic goals,” said Representative Matthew Hill. “I am grateful that my colleagues and I were able to help secure this important funding that will better protect our students, educators, and school staff members, and I will continue to fight for additional resources to further address the needs of these important groups in the years ahead.”
“There is nothing more important than the safety and security of our students,” said Senator Crowe. “They are the future of our state and nation. Their education is paramount. I was proud to work with Representative Van Huss and Representative Matthew Hill in supporting these dollars to provide for the safety of our schools. My thanks to the Governor and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for their help in securing these dollars.”
All 147 school districts in Tennessee received a portion of school safety funding. For more information, please clicking here.