Settlement money from e-cigarette maker Juul will help Fairfax County Public Schools beef up security at some high schools.
The Fairfax County School Board will vote tomorrow (Thursday) on adjustments to the school system's fiscal year 2024 budget, including an allocation of $3.2 million it received from Juul after settling a class action lawsuit over the company's flavored e-cigarettes last year. It is planned. .
In a March 7 presentation to the board, FCPS staff recommended using the funds to “implement security scanning technology in select high schools” as part of a new pilot program. FCPS Chief Financial Officer Lee Burden said if approved, this funding would be in addition to the $3 million earmarked for the program in August.
But FCPS has been tight-lipped about the pilot, including the technology being implemented and the number of schools participating.
“At this time, we are not ready to share program details with the public,” an FCPS spokesperson told FFXnow. “This information will be released as necessary, including the identification of schools. Physical and technical systems of safety and security are required to support safe driving plans.”
FCPS confirmed that the safety and security screening pilot is separate from the security vestibules it has added to dozens of schools across the county. The vestibule, which was made a priority by the school board in response to the May 24 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, provides additional authentication for visitors attempting to enter school buildings.
Last April, Superintendent Michelle Reed detailed several other safety measures the FCPS is testing or considering, including bathroom e-cigarette sensors, a panic alarm system and a weapons inspection system.
At the time, FCPS said the weapons inspection system was in the testing phase. It's unclear whether that's the same screening technology pilot that is currently seeking additional funding.
The school board also approved funding in December to install outdoor surveillance cameras at nine elementary schools and support ongoing background checks for employees.
Other changes proposed as part of the fiscal year 2024 third quarter review include the transfer of $3.3 million from the reserve fund to a fund dedicated to supporting FCPS' summer school programs.
“Summer school focuses on accelerating executive function, foundational skills in reading and math, enrichment programs at the elementary and middle school levels, and course credit recovery to ensure on-time graduation at the high school level. ” staff said in the summary. Third quarter review.
The funding will support programs serving 35,000 students at 73 locations, Baden said. FCPS had set aside a total of $6.7 million for the enhanced summer learning program in August, but that was before staff finalized location and enrollment projections.
The budget also includes grants received for food services, new federal funding for adult education, and “additional contract commitments” for bond-funded renovation projects at Bremmer Park, Brookfield and Lees Corner elementary schools. Adjusted to reflect an increase of $143.5 million.
