Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that two Maine school districts have been awarded a total of $703,982 to enhance and further integrate local school violence prevention efforts between school administrators and law enforcement, train law enforcement officers to prevent student violence, install deterrent measures, purchase and install technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency, and other measures.  This funding was awarded through the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office.

“Protecting students and ensuring that schools remain safe learning environments are of paramount importance,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “We welcome this investment, which will help the Windham/Raymond and Lee School Districts enhance school safety as students begin returning to the classroom.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

·       RSU 14 Windham/Raymond School District received $472,997

·       MSAD 30 Lee School District received $230,985

This funding is provided through the DOJ’s Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP): School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP).  As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins has continuously supported legislation that funds STOP programs.  Both Senators Collins and King also cosponsored the STOP School Violence Act, which became law in 2018, and aims to enhance school safety by helping local communities fund new training, reporting systems, and security infrastructure.  Maine has received more than $2 million through this program since its enactment.