The Digital Mapping Program for Virginia Schools K-12 will fund up to $3,500 per public school to create a common operating picture through digital maps that school administrators and first responders can use in case of emergency.
“This legislation and the digital mapping program for Virginia K-12 schools will help ensure the safety of all students, staff and visitors who enter our schools,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said. “It will also promote the safety of the brave men and women who keep our children safe.”
“Every child deserves to feel welcome and safe at school,” Education Secretary Aimee Guidera said. “This new legislation is an important step in ensuring that every parent can have confidence that their child is in a safe learning environment.”
“In an emergency, every second counts,” Public and Homeland Security Secretary Robert Mosier said. “It is imperative that our first responders have the ability to quickly assess the situation and coordinate response efforts. This legislation and the digital mapping program for Virginia K-12 schools pursue the goal of minimizing harm.
“Every school these days should have accurate and accessible maps,” said delegate Robert Bell. “This information is the first step to ensuring the best possible outcome in any emergency.”
“As the parent of a child enrolled in public school, I am thrilled that DCJS is offering this program,” said Department of Criminal Justice Services Director Jackson Miller. “The digital mapping program is one of the many ways DCJS supports collaboration between schools and first responders.”
To receive funding through the Digital Mapping Program for Virginia Schools K-12, an authorized school division representative must work with local first responder partners, select a vendor for the mapping project digital and submit an application to the DCJS. Once maps are created and shared with first responders, school divisions can be reimbursed.
