In the News

ACES Receives Emergency Management and Homeland Security Grant

November 26th, 2014

Security is about to get tighter for Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) schools thanks to a grant from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The grant, for which ACES was previously ineligible due to its status as a regional education service center, provides for $361,210 in reimbursement funds. ACES is responsible for $200,111 for a funding total of $561,322.

"This grant goes to security purchases to buy radios, panic systems, cameras for the building, keyless access systems for the doors, and intercoms. Most other schools have this in place, and this updates all our ACES schools," said ACES Executive Director Dr. Thomas M. Danehy.

Danehy noted that in addition to new equipment, staff at the schools will receive training. "We will be able to make significant strides toward ensuring the safety of our schools," he said.

The grant will allow for security enhancements at Whitney High Schools East, West, and North, in addition to the Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, the Center for Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders, Mill Road School, Village School, and Thomas Edison Middle School.

"We describe our buildings as safe, but as in any school statewide, you look at the situation with Newtown and know that this provides greater security and peace of mind for parents," Danehy said. "Parents can feel more at ease sending their children to our buildings knowing that the panic systems and access systems are there."

The grant stipulates that the security products must be purchased by June 30, 2015. Danehy expects that ACES will begin phasing in the new equipment at the start of 2015. 

ACES Receives Emergency Management and Homeland Security Grant