Horicon Schools Applying For DOJ Safety Grants

(Horicon) Both private and public schools in Horicon will be applying for round two funding from the Wisconsin Department of Justice to address school safety needs. In round one funding the Horicon School District was awarded $60-thousand dollars with St. Stephen Lutheran School receiving $14-thousand dollars. The grant will allow the facilities to choose a variety of school safety updates that include securing entry zones with shatter resistant film, improving visitor screening through internal and external security cameras, updating internal classroom locks, installing playground security fencing or training staff on threat assessment and prevention. Horicon Police Chief Joe Adamson says the initial grant was open to all schools throughout the state but some did not apply opening the door for excess funds to be allocated during a second grant period. Adamson says he crafted a letter Tuesday for Attorney General Brad Schimel advocating both Horicon schools to receive phase two funding. He says phase one funding has already brought forth tangible change. Recently, new pass cards with wireless access control were provided to public safety officials and the Horicon Police Department from the Horicon School District. Adamson says it will allow for quicker entry in case of emergencies. Schools wishing to apply for the second round of funding must submit paperwork by Thursday. The grants will be announced sometime in October.