Lockport-Area Districts Awarded Grants For School Security Improvements: Will County

LOCKPORT, IL — Several schools across Will County have been awarded school safety grants from the County, including several schools in Lockport.

The grants, which total more than $129,000, are aimed at strengthening school safety, according to a news release from Will County. The grants will either suppor the installation of main entrance reinforcements, or improved visitor and attendance management systems.

“The County Board has been intentional in utilizing Cannabis Sales Tax dollars for strengthening local community safety and public health,” Will County Executive Jennfer Bertino-Tarrant said in a news release. “Schools throughout Will County have prioritized taking proactive steps to increase security and to ensure that students are safe in their care. This grant is another way the county is supporting our local school district with this goal.”

In Lockport, the following schools received grants for school safety:

• Lockport District 91, Kelvin Grove Middle School, $4,500 for main entrance security reinforcements
• Taft District 90, Taft School, $4,500 for main entrance security reinforcements
• Fairmont School District 89, $4,500 for visitor and attendance management system enhancements
• Will County School District 92, Oak Prairie Junior High, $4,500 for visitor and attendance management system enhancements

The $129,777 in grant awards are funded by State of Illinois Cannabis Sales Tax Revenue received by the County and allocated by the Will County Board in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, according to a news release.

“It’s important for the Will County Board to fund initiatives that protect our students while they are learning in school,” said Will County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne. “The money the board has allocated will reinforce security measures at the entrances to more than 30 schools across Will County. I’m glad to partner with our local school districts to strengthen security at the main doors to these safety zones for learning.”

The Will County Regional Office of Education determined which school districts were eligible and established a $4,500 award ceiling allowable for each school pursuing a grant. Grant management was conducted by the County Executive Office, including technical assistance for school staff, overseeing the grant agreements and ensuring fund disbursal, County officials said.

“Every student deserves to walk into a school where they feel safe and ready to learn,” said Will County Regional Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff. “Improving school safety has been a major focus of our office, and we’re proud to help bring resources directly to schools for upgrades that make a real difference every day. We’re grateful to the Will County Board for partnering with us and investing Cannabis Sales Tax dollars into this effort so more schools across Will County can strengthen safety for students, staff, and families.”

The main entrance security reinforcements will consist of a multi-layer security laminate installed in windows at main entrances designed to strengthen glass and offer more time for an emergency response during a security incident, a news release states. Enhanced Visitor and Attendance Management Systems may include additional software for existing platforms aimed at managing attendance, events, badge printing, check-in/check-out capabilities, and emergency accountability.

Schools receiving grant funds will be reimbursed for their improvements and are expected to complete their improvements by the end of the county fiscal year on Nov. 30.