The North Penn School District (NPSD) is proud to share that it recently received a grant in the amount of $23,500 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Safe Schools. These funds will be used to purchase equipment to enhance the safety of outdoor events occurring at North Penn High School (NPHS).
The goal of the grant project is to enhance safety at mass gathering events, school activities, and instructional activities held in the NPHS multipurpose stadium facilities. This includes the renovated Crawford Stadium and smaller turf field.
“North Penn's safety and security efforts are not limited to the walls of the school building or the hours of the school day,” said Chris Doerr, NPSD Coordinator of Emergency Management and Safe Schools. “We are committed to continuously evaluating and improving our strategies, and the funds awarded as part of this grant program will support that commitment.”
Funds will be used for the purchase of surveillance equipment (cameras) and specialized mass notification equipment. Video surveillance systems are one of the most cost effective force multipliers for emergency management and safe schools, and not only mitigate risk through deterrence, but also support situational awareness and efficient investigation.
“I’m grateful to our administration for continuing to excel at optimizing opportunities to improve our security posture while securing state grants that prevent additional costs to taxpayers,” said Jonathan Kassa, NPSD Board of School Director and chair of the NPSD Safe Schools Committee.
Specialized mass notification equipment will also be purchased with grant funds. This will expand capabilities already in place throughout North Penn schools by expediting the broadcast of critical emergency messages to occupants of the outdoor stadium areas. These initiatives are expected to rollout by the end of June.
“Quality 21st century facilities need modern, nimble solutions to ensure a vibrant and safe environment,” said Kassa. “This grant will help to extend our comprehensive safe schools strategy to cover essential spaces central to community and school activities enjoyed by tens of thousands of students, residents and guests each year.”
Learn more about school safety at NPSD