The Purdy R-II School District was awarded a $100,000 school safety grant by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, according to a press release from Mo. Governor Mike Parson’s office dated Monday, May 1. The district was one of 169 school districts across the state which received grants which totaled $20 million. The grants were part of Parson’s 2023 Fiscal Year early supplemental budget request.
Dr. Travis Graham, superintendent of the Purdy R-II School District, said the funds would be used to make several upgrades to the district’s safety system.
“With these funds the district plans on expanding our surveillance system (interior and exterior), purchase two-way radios for communication, replace select interior classroom doors with commercial grade doors appropriate for classroom use, purchase seven additional AED devices and install throughout our campus (currently the district has two), install locking devices in each classroom environment, purchase bleed control kits, and install safety bollards at the entry points of our ground level access points,” he said. “Finally, we will utilize funds for safety planning, vulnerability assessments, and staff training.”
Graham also said that, should a crisis arise, the safety improvements would help all involved know what to do.
“These improvements will help students safety by equipping our facilities, students, faculty and staff with the tools necessary to respond in emergency situations appropriately,” he said.
Additionally, Graham said the district greatly appreciated the funding it received from the grant.
“We are blessed to have been awarded this grant and look forward to the improvements it will allows us to make,” he said.
