The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently awarded Mary Williams Elementary School a $58,309 grant aimed at enhancing security equipment. This is part of a broader VDOE effort that allocated $12 million in grants to 472 schools across 96 divisions in the Commonwealth to increase school safety for students, staff, and visitors. 

"We are so grateful to VDOE for the school security grant,” said Danna Johnson, Mary Williams Elementary principal. “This is a game-changer for MWES! It allows us to enhance our security system, which will make our school a safer place for everyone. This investment will give our entire school community peace of mind and continue to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing not only a nurturing environment for our students, but a safe and secure one as well." 

The VDOE has provided more than $330,000 in security equipment grants to PWCS schools in recent years. Since 2021, Alvey, Dale City, Enterprise, Gravely, Kerrydale, Mary Williams, and Tyler Elementary Schools have all benefited from these grants. The funds have primarily been used to purchase and upgrade camera and radio systems. 

“The equipment purchased with these grants will help ensure the safety of all students and staff in Virginia’s public schools,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “Every child deserves a high-quality education experience, one where they can deeply focus on learning and growing the minute they step onto a school bus or pass through the doors of their school. These grants help create safe, supportive environments, both on school grounds and while traveling to and from school.” 

To view the full list of Virginia schools awarded grants, please visit the VDOE website.