The New Hampshire Public School Infrastructure Commission has awarded $8 million in funding for school safety projects across 149 schools statewide, marking another significant investment in protecting students and staff across the Granite State.
The funding comes through the Security Action for Education (SAFE) grants program, with this latest round specifically targeting infrastructure improvements that enhance surveillance, emergency alerting systems, and access control at school facilities.
What the Grants Will Fund
Schools receiving awards will use the money for a range of security enhancements including exterior cameras and monitoring systems, upgraded locks, protective bollards and gates, perimeter fencing, and blue light emergency alerting systems. Additional eligible improvements include public address phone systems and exterior door alarms designed to provide faster notification during potential threats.
The Department of Education emphasized that these projects address specific vulnerabilities identified by school administrators and local law enforcement, taking a tailored approach to safety rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions.
Upper Valley Schools Among Recipients
Several Upper Valley schools received substantial grants in this funding round. Canaan Elementary School was awarded $70,738, while Indian River School in West Canaan received $71,400 for safety improvements. Cornerstone Chartered Public School in Lebanon secured $130,217, one of the larger grants in the region.
In Claremont, multiple schools benefited from the program: Claremont Middle School and Disnard Elementary School each received $17,400, Maple Avenue School received $16,400, Stevens High School was awarded $11,200, and Sugar River Valley Regional Technical School received $43,400.
Newport schools also saw significant support, with Newport Middle School and Newport Middle High School receiving $20,000 and Richards Elementary School receiving another $20,000 for safety upgrades.
A Continuing Commitment
This round of SAFE grants represents the fourth cycle of funding since the program was established, continuing a multi-year effort to bring New Hampshire school facilities up to modern security standards. Previous rounds have funded similar infrastructure improvements at schools across the state, from major urban districts to small rural communities.
The program has proven particularly valuable for smaller districts with limited capital budgets, allowing them to make security investments that would otherwise require years of budget planning or voter-approved bond measures.
Looking Ahead
While the $8 million investment addresses immediate physical security needs, education officials note that comprehensive school safety requires ongoing attention to mental health resources, staff training, and community engagement. The Infrastructure Commission has indicated that future funding rounds may expand to support these broader safety initiatives alongside traditional infrastructure projects.
For parents and community members, the grants represent a tangible commitment to student safety at a time when school security remains a top concern nationwide. As these projects move from planning to implementation in the coming months, districts will work with contractors and security consultants to complete the improvements with minimal disruption to daily school operations.