TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas is distributing $5 million in state grants to beef up security and improve safety at schools in more than 150 districts.
The state Department of Education began distributing the grants Monday for new doors, windows, security cameras, intercoms and other safety features at schools. The appropriations authorized by lawmakers must be matched by districts submitting requests to the state Board of Education, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported.
A total of 153 public school districts have sought $13 million in grants, with a formula devised to bring grant awards within budget.
Two districts originally proposed part of their funding be used to buy firearms, but those requests were eventually removed.
Representatives from the partnering agencies on this project agreed that state funds should not be used to purchase firearms, said Denise Kahler, spokeswoman for the Education Department.
