Roanoke County Public Schools secured $350,000 for security upgrades and summer learning. The district is also implementing silent emergency alerts and proposing new surveys to track teen online gambling risks.
Roanoke County Public Schools is bolstering campus security and student support after securing $350,000 in state grants. Superintendent Jamie Soltis detailed the funding at a school board meeting last week, highlighting a strategic push to modernize safety technology and prepare for more rigorous state academic standards.
The district received a $250,000 School Security Equipment Grant to upgrade hardware at three specific sites. Technology Director Jeff Terry was credited with pursuing the funds, which will be used to overhaul surveillance cameras and security systems at Mount Pleasant Elementary, Northside Middle and Oak Grove Elementary. Officials expect to complete the installations over the coming months.
Strengthening emergency response
In addition to hardware, the district is refining its Raptor Alert integration. Executive Director of Administration Tammy Newcomb and Glen Cove Elementary Principal April Brubaker reported on successful tests of the silent notification app during September lockdown drills…