West Branch, other local schools receive funds to upgrade security

BELOIT, Ohio - As students gear up for a new school year, security is at the forefront of everyone's mind.
In Beloit, the West Branch Local School District is upgrading its security measures thanks to a more than $192,000 grant.
The K-12 School Safety Grant Program awarded $47 million to 1,183 schools who applied for the grant across Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine announced the funds at the Ohio School Safety Summit earlier this week.
"Helping schools pay for important security improvements is just one component of our comprehensive school safety approach that also supports the mental well being of our kids and the work of local law enforcement to prevent crime," said DeWine.
The grant can be used to cover physical security enhancements. West Branch plans to use the funds to install advanced security measures and door alarms to entrances and exits.
“We are thrilled to be able to begin some of the projects we have identified that will provide enhanced safety and security for our students and staff,” says Micki Egli, West Branch Superintendent.
In addition to West Branch, other school districts in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties will receive funds from the K-12 School Safety Grant Program.
In Mahoning County, the schools receiving funds are as follows:
- Boardman Local SD
- Campbell City SD
- Jackson-Milton Local SD
- Lowellville Local SD
- MCCTC
- Poland Local SD
- South Range Local SD
- Springfield Local SD
- STEAM Academy Youngstown
- Struthers City SD
- Youngstown City SD
- Youngstown Community School
Schools in Trumbull County will also receive grant money. Those schools include:
- Bloomfield-Mespo Local SD
- Howland Local SD
- Hubbard Ex Vill SD
- LaBrae Local SD
- Lordstown Local SD
- McDonald Local SD
- Newton Falls Ex Vill SD
- Niles City SD
- Warren City SD
- Weathersfield Local SD
Columbiana County has a few schools receiving funds, including:
- Columbiana Educational Service Center
- Columbiana Ex Vill SD
- Crestview Local SD
- Lisbon Ex Vill SD