Ohio Offers $9 Million in School Safety Grants

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Ohio school leaders can now apply for a share of $9.01 million in grants for safety-related projects for the 2026-27 academic year. The funding, approved by the 136th General Assembly as part of House Bill 96, can be used for a wide range of school safety needs.

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Ohio is one of many states throughout the country that have invested millions of dollars into school security amid rising concerns about safety. For example, Virginia recently awarded $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 433 schools.

“Safety isn’t optional—it’s essential,” said Yost. “This funding helps schools across Ohio take real steps to protect students and staff.”

The Ohio grant funding is intended to give school leaders flexibility in determining how to improve student safety. Potential uses of the grants include:

  • Certification training for school resource officers;
  • Active shooter response training or equipment;
  • Educational resources for all grade levels;
  • Training to identify and assist students with mental health issues;
  • School supplies or equipment related to safety or for implementing a school safety plan;
  • Systems allowing immediate camera access to responding law enforcement;
  • Silent panic alarms;
  • Gunshot detection technology;
  • License plate reader alerts for vehicles belonging to registered sex offenders;
  • Alert systems warning of wanted dangerous individuals; and
  • Any other training related to school safety.

Under the program, every school district is eligible to apply for:

  • A formula-based grant of $2,500 or $4.50 per student, whichever amount is greater, until the funds are exhausted.
  • A program-based grant of up to $40,000, regardless of the number of students in the district, until the funds are exhausted.

School districts may apply for one or both grants. The grants will be awarded and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is May 29, 2026.

ALO READ: How Do We Stop These School Shootings?

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