ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Alexandria City Public Schools will receive $16,376 in state school security grants for two elementary schools, the Virginia Department of Education announced Thursday.
The money will go to James K. Polk Elementary and Naomi L. Brooks Elementary, according to the department's list of 2026-27 School Security Equipment Grant recipients. ACPS did not provide details on what the grant will pay for by The Alexandria Brief's deadline Friday morning.
The program, offered each year since 2013 with the state Department of Criminal Justice Services, pays for school security equipment and building upgrades such as security vestibules, according to the department.
This year's grants total $12 million from the Virginia Public School Authority, and the state budget sets aside $12 million a year for the program through the 2026-2028 budget cycle. The department received applications from 770 schools in 124 of Virginia's 132 school divisions, along with seven regional centers and the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. Awards went to 399 schools in 91 divisions on a competitive basis, down from 472 schools in the round announced in November 2024 and 483 in November 2023.
School divisions could receive up to $250,000. Schools receiving money must remain open for at least five more years, and most divisions must put up a local match of 25% of their grant. Divisions must buy the equipment within six months of being notified and have until June 30, 2027, to seek reimbursement. The money cannot be used for extended warranties or service contracts. The program has provided $126 million since it began, the department said.
"Every student deserves to learn in a school where they feel safe, supported and ready to succeed," Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith said in the announcement.
Among neighboring divisions, Arlington Public Schools received $87,915 for six elementary schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools received the $250,000 maximum for three elementary schools.
Ryan Belmore is an Alexandria resident and the founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief. Send tips, feedback, and story ideas to ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
