The Virginia Department of Education awarded Henry County Public Schools $244,000 through the 2024 School Security Equipment Grant program, and the school board voted to accept the grant and proceed with planned upgrades.

Facilities and security staff told the board the funds are earmarked for upgraded surveillance camera systems at Bill O'Connell Middle School, George Washington Carver Elementary and Laurel Park Middle School. Security Services of Glade Hill, Virginia, which holds a contract with the division, would perform the work if the grant is accepted.

Staff noted the grant requires a local match; the required matching funds will come from the division's operations budget. Board members asked about budget impacts and the match; staff said the match will be covered from existing operations funds and the acceptance motion was forwarded for a vote.

The motion to accept the grant was moved and seconded and passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The grant provides state funds to improve school surveillance systems at three campuses, but the local match affects the division's operating budget. The work is intended to modernize camera systems as part of broader security efforts.

Ending: Staff will move forward with contract scheduling with Security Services and return to the board as needed for details on match funding and timeline.