The Maquoketa Community School District is pleased to announce it has been awarded two significant grants aimed at enhancing the safety and security of its facilities. The district has received the Iowa School Safety Grant, providing $50,000 for each of its four buildings, totaling $200,000. This grant, supported by Governor Reynolds, will allow the district to implement a visitor management system and entry control classroom locks that can be controlled with staff badges. While these locks are already in place on the exterior doors of all buildings, this funding will expand their installation to interior doors, further securing classrooms.
In addition to the Iowa School Safety Grant, Maquoketa CSD was awarded the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, totaling $350,964. The COPS grant will be instrumental in completing the district’s door lock project and will fund other critical upgrades, including:
Replacement of specific doors and windows in school buildings,
Procurement of additional walkie-talkies to enhance communication across all facilities,
Expansion of physical signal coverage in buildings for improved safety communication,
Installation of physical barriers around the exterior of school buildings for added security.
These combined grants, totaling $550,964, underscore the district’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment where all students can learn and thrive. The district’s mission is to create welcoming and supportive spaces that foster a sense of belonging, and these safety enhancements are a vital part of that commitment.
Superintendent Notz expressed gratitude for the collaboration of School Business Official Kristy Haxmeier and Technology Director, Dustin Cogan as it’s with their support and expertise that made these grants possible. “We are thrilled to receive these funds, which will allow us to continue prioritizing the safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff. This achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to creating secure learning environments.” A special thank you also to our community partners who provided support letters that strengthened the grant applications.
Maquoketa CSD looks forward to implementing these safety projects and will continue to provide updates as they progress.
For more information, please contact the Maquoketa Community School District Central Office at 563-652-4984.