For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools (WRPS) was recently awarded $249,060 from the Department of Justice Office of School Safety to enhance and upgrade school safety measures across the district.

This funding will allow the district to continue building on safety initiatives and improvements for the benefit of our students, parents, and community members.  Law enforcement partners, including the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Grand Rapids Police Department, Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and Portage County Sheriff’s Department assisted in identifying areas of focus and provided support during the grant writing process.

Superintendent Craig Broeren said that the grant will provide a solid base for safety improvements.

“We are very happy to have received the school safety grant and are excited to begin work on the much needed improvements that both the district and our local law enforcement agencies agree will significantly enhance the safety of our students, staff, and community members,” he said. “Although there are limitations to what can be accomplished with this first round of funding, we are confident that these grant dollars will provide a much needed, solid start to address school safety at our facilities; in addition, the state’s focus on mental health and trauma informed care training aligns with our district goals and strategic planning to continue to expand and enhance this approach with our staff.”