Clarkston Community Schools will participate in a state program to update security measures in 10 of the district’s buildings as part of $8.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
On March 30, Governor Jennifer Granholm announced the state program that would provide assistance to make sure that Michigan schools would be ready for future terrorist threats or natural disasters.
‘We wanted to identify schools as critical infrastructures,? Sgt. Jerry King, Michigan State Police homeland security, said. ‘The goal is to create a safer environment.?
Clarkston will receive $2,200 per building to update or create chemical, biological or radiological warfare plans, according to Anita Banach, director of communications and marketing for the district.
Funding was granted to schools on the agreement that it would be used for those specific emergency tasks only.
‘The buildings all have crisis plans already,? Banach said. ‘When funds are available, it’s another resource.?
The money will be received in the form of reimbursements to the district. The only school not included in the program is Renaissance High School. The school was left out because of upcoming construction plans that would make participation difficult.
In addition to creating emergency plans, the district will also be able to use the money to possibly have a consultant come to each building and review the emergency procedures already established in case of a crisis.
‘Our primary goal is to allow administrators to meet with and learn with first responders in the community,? King said.
Teams of staff representatives from Clarkston will be able to attend training at the end of year on security-related issues because of the funding. The information learned will be brought back to the district and shared with everyone.
Clarkston is already prepared for crises in the schools should they occur, according to Banach. Police and fire departments have aerial shots of the school buildings on file.
The state program is open for all 843 public school districts in Michigan to participate in. As of March 30, 530 had applied for the program, including Clarkston. Remaining districts have until May 31 to apply.