Alleghany Highlands Public Schools

LOW MOOR — The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has awarded $199,760 to Alleghany Highlands Public Schools to improve safety and security across six local schools: Alleghany High School, Callaghan Elementary, Covington Middle, Jeter-Watson Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, and Sharon Elementary.

The funding comes through Virginia’s School Security Equipment Grants program, which this year provides $12 million to 433 schools in 99 divisions across the Commonwealth. The goal: to help schools upgrade safety technology and create secure, welcoming learning environments for students and staff.

“These funds will make a real difference for our schools,” said Chris Fisher, supervisor of safety and security for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. “By investing in various upgraded security measures, we’re ensuring our schools will remain safe places to learn. We’re thankful for the continued support from the Virginia Department of Education and the Department of Criminal Justice Services.”  

The grant will be used to fund multiple security improvements across the division, including protective window and door film, two-way radios, additional security cameras, additional Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), new fencing, and upgraded access points. 

Fisher underscored the significance of these investments in protecting students and staff noting that the improvements help schools strengthen prevention, preparedness, and emergency response.

“We will continue to strive and keep our students, faculty and staff members in a safe environment, all while moving forward with these projects, along with others, that greatly enhance our efforts into the future,” he said.

Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson emphasized the importance of this investment: “The safety and security of Virginia’s students, educators, and school communities remain paramount priorities for this Administration. These targeted investments reflect a steadfast commitment to advancing prevention, preparedness, and protection across the Commonwealth,” he said.

Since 2022, Virginia has invested more than $60 million in school safety infrastructure, benefiting over 1,100 public schools statewide.

“Every parent wants to know their child is safe at school,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “By investing in modern safety systems, we’re giving teachers and students the peace of mind to focus on learning, and families the confidence that their local schools are protected.”

The award to Alleghany Highlands Public Schools underscores the division’s continued commitment to keeping students safe and ensuring that every child can learn, grow, and thrive in a secure environment.