Andover Public Schools has been awarded more than $38,000 for security infrastructure enhancements at West Middle School from the state.
The improvements will include new exterior doors and video call boxes, according to a press release from the school district.
The grant comes from the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Andover Public Schools was one of 42 districts in the state to receive funding.
“This grant further establishes the commitment APS has made to our students and staff.” said Magda Parvey, superintendent at Andover Public Schools. “Our first priority is to keep our students and staff safe. We are appreciative to the Commonwealth for their support of this goal.”
According to a spokesperson for the district, the town applied for grants at three schools totaling around $150,000. The district received $38,429 which fit the cost of the project at West Middle.
The application was done in collaboration with the IT department, Facilities and the district.
During the 2022/2023 school year the district worked with Guidepost Solutions LLC, a company which assesses risks and provides solutions, according to their website, to do a school safety assessment.
“Guidepost analyzed policy and procedures, completed site visits, conducted interviews, and held focus groups with members of the APS community,” said the press release.
The company will be sharing recommendations and guidelines for the fall of the upcoming school year.
“We welcome the opportunity to enhance security at West Middle School as part of our overall initiative to foster a safe learning environment in the APS community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Administration Keith Taverna. “We look forward to working with Andover’s Facilities department for their guidance and implementation of these projects.”
