Bolivar, MO – The Bolivar R-1 School District recently completed safety and security upgrades associated with a $500,000 grant received from the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). This prestigious award, received in November 2023, was granted to only ten school districts across Missouri and is part of the district's ongoing work to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff.
The grant has been used to implement a comprehensive list of safety improvements, including upgrades to exterior doors and locks, card access readers for controlled entry points, advanced surveillance cameras, two-way radios, perimeter fencing improvements, and protective safety film for windows and doors.
"Student and staff safety remains a top priority for our district," said Dr. Michael Methvin, Superintendent of Bolivar R-1 Schools. "This investment in state-of-the-art security upgrades and preventative measures reinforces the importance of safe learning environments for our students and staff and should bring peace of mind to our families."
The COPS Grant, part of the DOJ's School Violence Protection Program, aims to provide resources for schools to strengthen their security and foster a safe and supportive learning environment.