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State Reimburses Danbury Schools $55K For Safety Enhancements

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – Danbury, Greenwich, Norwalk, Westport and Stamford are among the seven school districts in  Fairfield County chosen to receive state funding to enhance school security after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Newtown, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Wednesday.

Westport will receive a partial reimbursement from the state for school safety enhancements.

Westport will receive a partial reimbursement from the state for school safety enhancements.

Photo Credit: File: Vanessa Inzitari

The funds come from the first round of the Competitive Grant Program for school security as part of the Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety Act. State funding of $5 million will be used to reimburse municipalities for at least a portion of the costs associated with making security infrastructure improvements.

The following Fairfield County school districts in The Daily Voice’s coverage area will receive funding:

  • Danbury schools: State – $55,401 District spent – $36,381  
  • Greenwich schools: State – $1,918 District spent – $7,672  
  • Norwalk schools: State – $29,305 District spent – $66,092  
  • Stamford schools: State – $136,678 District spent – $347,820  
  • Westport schools: State – $261,083 District spent – $999,559

The Bridgeport, Shelton and Stratford school districts are the other Fairfield County municipalities that will also receive aid.

“This funding allows districts with the most need to implement modern security measures that will make schools safer,” Malloy said in a statement. “We will never be able to prevent every random act, but we can take the steps necessary to make sure that our children and our teachers are as safe as possible.”

Awards were based on a school security assessment survey conducted by each local school district that applied for funding. Funding was administered by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in consultation with the Department of Education and the Department of Construction Services.

Throughout Connecticut, the following districts will also receive awards: Avon, Cheshire, Derby, East Hartford, Enfield, Hamden, Hartford, Killingly, Ledyard, Mansfield, Meriden, Middletown, Montville, Naugatuck, New Britain, New Hartford, North Haven, Plymouth, Portland, Regional School District No. 6 (Warren, Morris and Goshen), Regional School District No. 14 (Woodbury and Bethlehem), Rocky Hill, Southington, Sterling, Vernon, West Haven, Wethersfield and Winchester.

“We all wish that this program was not needed, but unfortunately we must adapt to the new reality that Sandy Hook tragically brought to our state,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said in a statement. “This funding will not only make our schools more secure, but will give us the peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to live up to our obligation to provide a safe learning environment for our children.”

To see the full list of funds and allocations, click here.

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