3 Fairfax County Schools Awarded $250K For Security Upgrades

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Three Fairfax County public schools will receive $250,000 from Virginia to pay for school security improvements, state education officials announced Thursday.

Fairfax County Public Schools received the maximum amount available to a school division through Virginia's 2026-27 School Security Equipment Grant program.

The funding was awarded to:

• Westgate Elementary School
• Westlawn Elementary School
• Wolftrap Elementary School

Grantees can use the funds to purchase security equipment and make building improvements such as security vestibules.

"School security is always top of mind for every superintendent, principal and parent across the Commonwealth, and last week demonstrated the importance of secure buildings," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway said. "We're pleased to provide them with the resources they need to keep their staff and students safe."

Virginia awarded $12 million through the program this year to 399 schools in 91 school divisions. School divisions could apply for up to $250,000.

The grant program has provided $126 million for school security improvements since it was established in 2013. The Virginia Public School Authority funds the awards.

Schools receiving the grants must remain open for at least five more years. The Virginia Department of Education awarded the grants competitively after receiving applications from 770 schools in 124 of the state's 132 school divisions, along with seven regional centers and the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind.