Licking Today

State Representative Kevin Miller of Newark has announced a new grant from the Ohio Attorney General's office aimed at enhancing security in Ohio schools. The grant is designed to cover a wide range of security needs, including training and education on threat detection and prevention, as well as tools, technologies, and equipment intended to save lives and improve crisis response.

"Security is critical to ensure students have a stable environment to advance their education," said Miller. "This grant will help give schools the tools they need to provide that secure, safe, and stable environment for our students."

The funding provides school leaders with flexibility in deciding how best to enhance student safety. Eligible uses include certification training for school resource officers, active-shooter response training or equipment, educational resources for all grade levels, mental health issue identification and assistance training for students, safety-related school supplies or equipment, systems for immediate camera access by law enforcement officers responding to incidents, silent panic alarms, gunshot-detection technology, license-plate reader alerts for vehicles belonging to registered sex offenders, alert systems warning of wanted dangerous individuals, and other related training.

The funding was approved through the Operating Budget of the 135th General Assembly. Schools can apply for either a per-student-funded grant or a project-based grant. Grants will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis with an application deadline set for May 30.