The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District received a $200,000 grant from the Safer Schools in America Initiative.

These funds will support the adoption and usage of school safety EdTech products from leading education providers and the resulting impact research for the next three years at no cost to the district.

The Safer Schools in America Impact Initiative Grant is aimed at addressing the need for quality research about the expansive range of activities that comprise safe teaching and learning environments.

These include emotional, physical and digital safety as well as emergency preparedness, school facilities and culture, and community engagement areas the district and the broader research community believe are critical to great teaching and learning.

Participation will allow the system to be part of the larger evaluation community as it seeks cost effective EdTech solutions for classrooms and educators.

The money will be used to purchase up to $200,000 in security software to improve overall security at in the schools.   

Some of the software will include improved visitor management at each site and preventive counseling software to help counselors better manage at-risk students.  

“We’re always looking at how to increase safety at our campuses,” Tom Davis, executive director of student support services, said.  “We review our safety plans and procedures regularly. Each building principal also works with our school resources officers to look at ways to improve practices and adequately respond if emergencies arise. This grant will certainly aid in improving our overall plan.”