Ill. schools to receive $25M for security measures

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois schools and universities are receiving $25 million in state funding to improve campus security.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced grants to 448 schools for more than 1,300 projects statewide on Friday. The money will go toward installing reinforced doors, shatter-resistant glass, and locks at primary public entrances.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency created the program earlier this year. Director Jonathon Monken says that these enhancements can buy schools valuable time to carry out emergency plans.

Chicago public schools and School District 46 in Kane County each received $1 million. The University of Illinois at Champaign received about $690,000.

The agency received applications for more than $54 million from 623 school districts and campuses. Only one application per school district or college campus was accepted, but they could include multiple projects.