Governor Brian Kemp's January 2025 announcement added $50 million to the state's school safety grants, providing approximately $68,760 per school. For administrators looking to enhance campus security without straining educational budgets, these expanded state grants—combined with substantial federal funding options—create powerful opportunities to implement comprehensive security solutions.
Georgia's Expanded School Safety Grant Program: A Renewed Commitment
Governor Kemp's announcement marks a significant expansion of Georgia's school safety initiative. The additional $50 million would provide approximately $68,760 per school across the state, giving local administrators substantial resources to address their specific security needs.
"This is going to keep our students, teachers, and school systems safer," Governor Kemp stated during a news conference at the state Capitol, emphasizing the state's dedication to school safety.
The urgency behind this funding increase stems partly from the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in September 2024, where two students and two teachers lost their lives. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones noted that previous investments in school safety helped minimize the potential impact of this incident, stating, "Had we not made that investment, the tragedy that hit Apalachee could have been much worse."
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of proactive security measures in Georgia's educational institutions. The state's approach gives local districts flexibility in how they allocate these funds, recognizing that school administrators "know their schools and their needs better than we do," according to Governor Kemp. However, to access these funds, schools must submit comprehensive safety plans to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency as required by legislation passed in 2023.
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern Era
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern EraThe Evolution of Georgia's School Safety Grant Program
The Georgia School Safety Grant has changed since its inception in 2019. Initially, the program provided $30,000 per school, addressing security needs across more than 2,200 schools and school systems statewide—a commitment of approximately $70 million.
By 2023, the grant increased to $50,000 per school, with an additional $120 million invested in the program. This progressive increase reflects Georgia's growing recognition of school safety as a critical priority requiring substantial, ongoing investment.
The program's design emphasizes local control over fund allocation, giving school districts the autonomy to address their specific security concerns based on unique circumstances. This flexibility allows schools to tailor their security approaches to their particular environments, student populations, and existing infrastructure.
Federal Funding Options for Georgia Schools
Beyond state-level grants, Georgia schools can access several federal funding programs dedicated to enhancing school security:
Stronger Connections Grant Program
Georgia received $33,444,267 through the Stronger Connections Grant Program (SCG), established under the Bipartisan Safety Communities Act. This federal initiative provides historic funding to help schools establish safe learning environments.
Allowable expenses under this grant include:
- Identification and visitor management systems
- School facility mapping
- Intrusion alarm systems
- Software designed to interface with emergency responder radio systems
COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)
The COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program provides funding directly to states, local governments, and public agencies to improve school security through evidence-based programs and technology. This program focuses on coordinated emergency response, making it an excellent option for schools looking to enhance their crisis management capabilities.
Bureau of Justice Assistance's STOP School Violence Program
The BJA STOP School Violence Program funds initiatives to prevent violence in K-12 settings, supporting the Department of Justice's mission to reduce violent crime in and around schools. This program specifically supports software solutions that help schools maintain safe environments and improve their ability to recognize, respond to, and prevent campus violence.
Additional Federal Opportunities
Several other federal grant programs provide substantial funding for school security initiatives:
- OJJDP FY24 Enhancing School Capacity To Address Youth Violence Grant Program: Makes $23 million available to school districts and nonprofits for addressing youth violence in K-12 settings
- FY24 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program: Provides $18 million for projects related to violence prevention
- Nonprofit Security Grant Programs: Offers hundreds of millions in funding for facility hardening and security enhancements
- State Homeland Security Grant Program: Provides $373.5 million for measures that improve schools' physical security
These federal opportunities complement state funding, allowing Georgia schools to develop comprehensive security infrastructures through multiple funding sources.
Strategic Approaches to Maximize Grant Funding
To make the most of available security funding, Georgia schools should consider the following strategies:
1. Form a Dedicated Safety Team
Schools should assemble robust safety teams that include diverse stakeholders:
- Teachers and administrators
- Parent-teacher organizations
- Age-appropriate students
- External partners (emergency services, fire departments, law enforcement)
- Mental health providers
- Security subject matter experts
Regular monthly meetings with formalized agendas keep safety initiatives on track and foster ongoing collaboration.
2. Develop a Comprehensive Safety Plan
A well-structured safety plan serves as the foundation for security improvements. Schools should:
- Clearly define security goals and objectives
- Outline specific implementation steps
- Identify current vulnerabilities and priority areas
- Create metrics to measure success
- Review plans with key stakeholders to identify potential gaps
3. Utilize Available Resources
The Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Emergency Management, and Homeland Security Agency provide valuable resources to support schools in developing comprehensive safety plans, including:
- Planning templates
- Implementation guides
- Training materials
- Assessment tools
Schools should proactively engage with these agencies before purchasing to ensure alignment with grant requirements.
Read the Case Study: How a Public High School Transformed School Security
Effective Security Technologies for Georgia Schools
Grant funds can be used for a wide range of security enhancements. Based on implementations across Georgia schools, several key technologies have proven particularly effective:
Access Control and Visitor Management
Modern access control systems help schools regulate building entry and monitor visitor flow. These systems typically include:
- Electronic card readers for staff access
- Visitor verification and badging systems
- Automated lockdown capabilities
- Integration with security cameras and alarms
Georgia's school safety grants specifically include these systems as eligible expenses, recognizing their critical role in preventing unauthorized access.
Video Surveillance and Monitoring
Advanced video surveillance systems provide real-time monitoring capabilities and valuable documentation of incidents. Modern systems offer:
- High-definition video quality
- Remote viewing capabilities
- Integration with other security systems
- AI-powered analytics for threat detection
- Storage of recorded footage for investigation purposes
Emergency Communication Systems
Effective communication is essential during security incidents. Schools are investing in:
- Voice and video mass notification systems
- Two-way radio networks for staff
- Silent alarm and duress buttons
- Systems that interface directly with emergency responder networks
Training and Awareness Programs
Beyond physical security measures, schools are using grant funds for:
- Emergency preparedness training for staff
- Security awareness programs for students
- Scenario-based response exercises
- Specialized training for threat assessment teams
Real-World Applications in Georgia Schools
Georgia schools are implementing innovative security measures with grant funding. Examples include:
- Installing comprehensive access control systems that integrate with visitor management software
- Deploying digital hall pass tools to monitor student movement within buildings
- Implementing digital emergency reunification systems for crisis situations
- Creating safer dismissal processes with verification technologies
- Providing silent communication tools for staff to report emergencies
VOLT’s AI-powered video analysis systems can detect unusual behavior patterns, identify potential weapons, and alert security personnel in real-time—allowing for immediate intervention rather than just post-incident investigation. Book a demo to learn more.
A Safer Future for Georgia Students
The unprecedented level of funding now available for Georgia school security represents a historic opportunity to transform how schools approach safety and security. By combining state grants with federal funding opportunities, schools can implement comprehensive security systems that protect students and staff while creating environments conducive to learning.
Success lies in thoughtful planning, stakeholder involvement, and strategic technology implementation. Schools with a holistic approach to security—addressing physical infrastructure, technology systems, and human factors—will create the most effective and sustainable security programs.
When safety is your priority, choosing the right security partners and technologies makes all the difference. With proper planning and implementation, Georgia schools can create secure environments where students and staff feel protected and can focus on what matters most: education.
