Marietta schools receive $500K grant

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Marietta city schools soon will have nearly a half-million dollars more to keep campuses safe. 

The city is the only one in Georgia to be awarded federal funds in a program designed to help improve school safety.

The city's police department and school system have been awarded a $499,100 grant by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The school system plans to add video surveillance systems and keyless entry to two schools — Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School. Nine other schools will get equipped with an electronic system to track visitors, said Preston Howard, assistant superintendent for the district.

"Secure Our Schools" grants, totaling $16 million, will help law enforcement and school systems in 128 municipalities in 38 states. The grants can be used to fund up to 50 percent of the cost of items such as metal detectors, locks and lighting, according to the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Marietta's high school has two full-time resource officers and a black Lab that helps keep a watch over things. Last year, the school board approved a "Text-a-cop" program that allows high school students to send anonymous messages to officers about safety concerns.