ST. PAUL, MN – Rep. Mary Franson (R-Alexandria) issued the following statement regarding news today that Alexandria Public Schools, Henning Public Schools, Perham-Dent Public Schools, and Parkers Prairie Public Schools, have all been awarded state grants for school safety funding.
In total, Alexandria’s Woodland Elementary will receive $80,593; Henning Public Schools will receive $77,388; Perham-Dent High School will receive $235,000; Perham’s Heart of the Lakes Elementary will receive $180,000, and Parkers Prairie Elementary will receive $414,841.60.
Last session, the legislature approved and the governor signed into law $25 million in capital investment funds that schools could apply for to make physical safety improvements to increase security and prevent violence. Specifically, the funds may be used to predesign, design, construct, furnish and equip school facilities, including renovating and expanding existing buildings.
“I am pleased to see area schools take advantage of these grants and receive state funding to help ensure student safety,” said Rep. Franson. “I am proud to have supported these grants and helped pass them in the legislature. School safety remains an important issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to find ways to address this concern and help keep our kids safe.”
The legislature approved an additional $25 million in school safety grants as part of the supplemental budget bill, but the funds were blocked by Governor Dayton’s veto.
A news release from the Minnesota Department of Education including a complete list of grant awardees and allocations can be found here.
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