Buckingham and Cumberland schools were among 53 school divisions in Virginia to receive funding for school resource officers, according to a recent announcement from the Office of the Governor.

“Eighty seven grants totaling more than $3.47 million have been awarded to 53 localities throughout Virginia,” the release from the Office of the Governor cited. “This funding will enable local law enforcement agencies to fund new school resource officer (SRO) and school security officer (SSO) positions at K-12 public schools. The grants were awarded by the Criminal Justice Services Board at their May 9 meeting as well as the Executive Committee, on behalf of the Board, at a special meeting held earlier.”

Cumberland County Public Schools, according to documentation from the Office of the Governor, received $50,330 and Buckingham County Public Schools received $14,762.

“It is paramount that we continue to make smart investments to keep Virginia schools safe and to create supportive learning environments for our students,” Gov. Ralph Northam said in the release. “The school resource officers and school security officers hired through these grants not only make our schools safer but also enhance our communities by building strong positive relationships with students, faculty and parents.”