Rivercrest School District Receives $96,869 School Safety Grant, Bringing Total Funding to $397,869 in Three Years

The Safe Schools Unit of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced the approval of a $96,869 School Safety Grant for Rivercrest School District as part of the district's ongoing commitment to ensuring a secure learning environment. This grant, which includes $90,546 for Priority Approved Expenditures and $6,323 for Additional Approved Expenditures, will support critical safety initiatives aligned with the recommendations of the School Safety Commission and Governor Sanders’ Arkansas L.E.A.R.N.S. Act.

This funding is part of a broader effort to improve school safety across the district. Over the past three years, Rivercrest has received a total of $397,869 in grant funding to support various safety upgrades. These funds, combined with local resources of over $150,000, have a combined total of $547,869 used to enhance security measures throughout the district, including the replacement of all exterior doors, the installation of electronic access systems, and the implementation of a Hall Pass Visitor system to screen visitors.

Additional safety upgrades have included the installation of ballistic film on windows, expanded security cameras, and the provision of two-way radios for buses to ensure effective communication during emergencies. The district has also made improvements to parking lots to better manage security and traffic flow.

In addition to these physical upgrades, the district has prioritized enhancing its emergency preparedness by updating AEDs, purchasing large quantities of Stop the Bleed kits, and restocking first aid supplies to ensure that staff and emergency responders are equipped to handle medical emergencies.

With this new grant and past investments, Rivercrest School District continues to prioritize the safety of students, staff, and visitors, reinforcing its commitment to creating a secure learning environment that supports academic success and well-being.