Youngkin to help Virginia schools create digital floor plans with $6.5M funding

RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — On Monday afternoon, Gov. Glenn Youngkin introduced $6.5 million in funding — because of the Division of Legal Justice Providers (DCJS) — to assist public faculties within the Commonwealth develop digital ground plans.

This information comes after Youngkin’s workplace says the governor signed Del. Robert Bell’s Home Invoice 741, which requires native college boards to create detailed and correct ground plans for every of their public college buildings.

In line with officers, the ‘Digital Mapping Program for Virginia Ok–12 Colleges’ will fund as much as $3,500 per public college to create a standard operation image by way of digital maps for college directors and first responders to make use of throughout emergencies. 

“This laws and the Digital Mapping Program for Virginia Ok–12 Colleges will assist guarantee the security of all college students, employees, and guests who enter our faculties,” Youngkin mentioned. “It’ll likewise promote the security of the courageous women and men who hold our youngsters secure.”

“Every youngster deserves to really feel welcome and safe at school,” mentioned Secretary of Schooling Aimee Guidera. “This new laws is a vital step in the direction of guaranteeing each mother or father can belief their youngster is in a secure studying surroundings.”

“In an emergency, each second issues,” Secretary of Public Security and Homeland Safety Robert Mosier acknowledged. “It’s crucial that our first responders have the flexibility to shortly assess the state of affairs and coordinate response efforts. This laws and the Digital Mapping Program for Virginia Ok–12 Colleges additional the purpose of minimizing hurt.”

“These days, each college ought to have correct and accessible maps,” mentioned Bell. “This data is step one in guaranteeing the absolute best consequence to any emergency.”

“As a mother or father of a kid enrolled in a public college, I’m excited that DCJS is providing this program,” Jackson Miller, director of the DCJS, mentioned. “The Digital Mapping Program is one among some ways DCJS is supporting collaboration between faculties and first responders.”

With a view to obtain funding by way of the ‘Digital Mapping Program for Virginia Ok–12 Colleges,’ Youngkin’s workplace says a certified college division consultant ought to collaborate with native first responder companions, choose a vendor for the digital mapping undertaking, and submit an software to DCJS. As soon as the maps have been created and shared with first responders, college divisions could also be reimbursed. 

To be taught extra in regards to the Commonwealth’s digital mapping program for public faculties, observe this hyperlink.