South Brunswick Schools To Get Funds For Silent Panic Alarms

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The South Brunswick School District has been recommended to the Legislature to get $488,892 from the state Department of Education to install silent panic alarms and more in school buildings.

The funding was allocated under the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act (SOCFBA) and was announced by Gov. Phil Murphy on May 28.

“I have long believed that investments in our students and schools are investments in the future of our state,” Murphy said in a media statement.

“These projects will help our school districts and institutions of higher education keep students safe and healthy, while also ensuring that they are ready for the careers of future.”

The funding will go towards installing silent panic alarms and other school security upgrades including exterior lighting improvements, surveillance cameras, intercoms, remote locking/unlocking doors, shatter-resistant glass, signage improvements, generator installation, and impact-rated vehicle barriers.

These funds were given to New Jersey school districts under Alyssa's Law, named for Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old girl who lived with her family Woodcliff Lake before they moved to Parkland, Florida.

On Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 2018, 14-year-old Alyssa was one of the 17 people killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Her family worked with North Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D- NJ5) to pass legislation that will now require all New Jersey schools have silent alarms.

“The funding for school security systems, such as silent panic alarms and remote locking and unlocking doors, will put districts in compliance with the safety procedures established in Alyssa’s Law. This is important for the safety of students and educators across the state,” said Senator Ron Rice.

Assemblyman Ralph Caputo said it has taken many years to get to this day.

“Alyssa’s family and community have been steadfast champions of the legislation that has brought us here and I commend them for that,” Caputo said.

“Coupled with security measures already in place, this project funding can increase the chances of diffusing a bad situation without further harm to students and staff. I'm proud to see the project moving forward.”

The Murphy Administration is recommending around $317.2 million for the initial round of SOCFBA. Around $65.4 million went towards the School Security Project.

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