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Burke County pursues federal COPS school-safety grant; county to contribute $40,000 match

Burke County Board of Commissioners · November 4, 2025

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Summary

County grant manager presented a COPS/Stop School Violence Act grant partnership with Burke County Public Schools: project cost $624,991; proposed award $468,743; local match $156,248, of which the county's cash share is $40,000 to fund lighting at Ridge Park and other safety upgrades.

Burke County commissioners heard a presentation on a competitive COPS/Stop School Violence grant the county and Burke County Public Schools are pursuing.

Lindsay Stockman, the county's grant program manager, said the total project cost is roughly $624,991 with a hoped‑for federal award of $468,743 and a required local match of $156,248. The county's cash contribution would be $40,000; the school system would provide the remaining match from its capital reserve. "So that will be our part...to put more lighting out at Reapark," Stockman said, noting one Ridge Park field remains unlit and the county's portion would enable athletics and reduce safety concerns after dark.

The schools plan to use their portion of the grant for portable metal detectors for athletic-field entries, upgrades to cameras (including on buses), and staff badge access controls. Stockman said the grant is three years in duration and that the county and school system will prioritize high schools then work down the district.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the local match and timing; the county manager confirmed the $40,000 is cash and that school leaders have capital reserve funds available to cover their share. Stockman and the manager said staff continue to seek complementary grants (including a separate COPS solicitation to fund additional SROs) and encouraged community members to flag other funding opportunities.

What happens next: the item remains on the decision agenda; commissioners indicated support but will require final budget approvals and formal acceptance if the award is offered.