Nearly $53M allocated to support safe learning environments during past five years

CONCORD, NH (Oct. 19, 2023) — Since 2018, New Hampshire has made substantial investments in the safety and security of its schools, allocating about $52.7 million in federal and state funds to ensure the safety of students and staff.  

“While New Hampshire remains the safest state in the country, we know that no state is immune from the potential for tragedy,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “The safety of our kids always comes first. Over the past several years we’ve allocated tens of millions of dollars to equip our schools with the resources and training to be prepared, with even more resources on the way.” 

“Protecting New Hampshire’s children will always be of paramount importance. During America’s Safe Schools Week and always, we remain fully committed to providing ongoing investments in protecting our students and safeguarding them from potential threats, violence or emergency events,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “New Hampshire remains steadfast in its dedication to enhance school safety and is proud of the continuous efforts.”

The New Hampshire Public School Infrastructure Commission was established in fiscal year 2018 and has worked diligently to award numerous security grants to schools. Utilizing PSI funds, in addition to covid-relief and other state and federal funds, New Hampshire has:

• Allocated an initial $18.7 million for school safety, fire safety and fiber connection projects in fiscal year 2018; more than 83% of the funds were awarded to school districts for security projects and about $14.2 million was actually spent;
• Distributed an additional $10 million for school security projects in fiscal year 2019;
• Awarded the first round of the Security Action for Education (SAFE) grants in the amount of $3.9 million to schools for security enhancements in fiscal years 2022 and 2023;
• Awarded a second round of $10 million in SAFE grants in fiscal year 2023;
• Will distribute a third round of $10 million in SAFE grants opening next month to be awarded during fiscal year 2024;
• This month allocated $4.6 million in grants as part of the Stronger Connections Grant Program (see related press release).

“We continue to foster partnerships with schools and local first responders and remain committed to the safety of our schools in order to provide peace of mind to children, staff members and parents,” said Robert Buxton, Director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Our School Readiness Program has conducted more than 1,000 assessments since the program started in 2014. These grants allow schools to put best practices discussed during those assessments into place.”