COLUMBIA − The Columbia School Board voted Monday night to approve an application that could bring $300,000 for enhanced security across the district.
In June, Gov. Mike Parson signed House Bill 2 into law, which allocated $50 million to school districts across the state in order to enhance their security. Columbia Public Schools applied for $900,000 during the first round of applications, though it was denied by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The district’s new application is for $300,000.
“I think the biggest thing is that you always want to remain vigilant when it comes to safety and security,” District Spokesperson, Michelle Baumstark, said.
If approved by DESE, $122,000 of the funds would go towards building an access management system to identify and track school visitors entering buildings, which allows for more comprehensive school visitor management.
The remainder would go to a new access buzz-in system, additional security cameras and hardened ballistic doors.
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