Hufford Junior High School/md
Will County has awarded more than $129,000 in grants aimed at strengthening school safety. The Will County School Safety Grant, which has been awarded to 33 middle and K-8 schools, will support the installation of main entrance reinforcements and improved visitor and attendance management systems.
“The County Board has been intentional in utilizing Cannabis Sales Tax dollars for strengthening local community safety and public health,” said Will County Executive Jennfer Bertino-Tarrant. “Schools throughout Will County have prioritized taking proactive steps to increase security and
to ensure that students are safe in their care. This grant is another way the county is supporting our local school district with this goal.”
The security improvements will take place at schools in 18 Will County school districts. Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools are receiving funding to install main entrance security reinforcements that improve resistance to forced entry and ballistic threats. The remaining 14 schools will receive funding for enhanced visitor and attendance management systems, including modernized check-in and visitor badging systems.
The $129,777 in grant awards are funded by State of Illinois Cannabis Sales Tax Revenue received by the County and allocated by the Will County Board in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The grant was created to support multi-faceted strategies to enhance school safety, specifically at main entrances.
“It’s important for the Will County Board to fund initiatives that protect our students while they are learning in school,” said Will County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne. “The money the board has allocated will reinforce security measures at the entrances to more than 30 schools across Will County. I’m glad to partner with our local school districts to strengthen security at the main doors to these safety zones for learning.”
The Will County Regional Office of Education (ROE) determined which school districts were eligible and established a $4,500 award ceiling allowable for each school pursuing a grant. Grant management was conducted by the County Executive Office, including technical assistance for school staff, overseeing the grant agreements, and ensuring fund disbursal.
