The Murphy Administration is recommending $5.15 million in awards for this round of SOCFBA

The projects will now go to the Legislature for final approval

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan today submitted the second round of Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act (SOCFBA) school security project recommendations to the Legislature for approval. 

If approved, the projects submitted to the Legislature today will provide districts across the state with approximately $5.15 million in funding for school security upgrades including the installation of silent panic alarms to alert law enforcement during an emergency as required by Alyssa’s Law, and other school security upgrades including exterior lighting improvements, surveillance cameras, intercoms, remote locking/unlocking doors, shatter-resistant glass, signage improvements, generator installation, and impact-rated vehicle barriers.

“Making these investments in our schools will ensure safe learning environments for our students,” said Governor Murphy. “The second round of Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act projects will reach students and schools across our state. I look forward to working with partners in the Legislature to expeditiously get these funds to our schools.”

"We are committed to making New Jersey schools as safe as they can be," said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillian. "This second round of awards will make an additional 60 schools across the state more secure from the mountains of Warren County to the beaches of Cape May.”

The second round of funding will be supported by $500 million in bonds approved by New Jersey voters in November 2018.  The initial round of SOCFBA project proposals—which totaled $317.2 million—was submitted to the Legislature in May 2021. Following approval from the Legislature, Governor Murphy signed legislation in July 2021 to appropriate first-round funds. Third-round details and applications will be announced at a later date.

“Revitalizing New Jersey schools’ infrastructure is paramount to the safety of students and staff. Alyssa’s Law was a blueprint for school security systems and safety measures,” said Senator Ron Rice. “This second round of funding will expand the safety procedures that have already been established and fund districts across the state that truly need it.”

“This second round of funding will help many schools in New Jersey make necessary enhancements to their facilities and provide security upgrades that would better guarantee our children’s safety,” said Assemblyman Ralph Caputo.  “It’s our duty to ensure that students have the proper educational resources and safe learning environments.  With the allocated funds, we will be able to make those enhancements and continue on a path toward enriching our children’s education throughout the State.”

The Murphy Administration is transmitting the following to the Legislature for final approval: