New Hampshire Continues to Invest in School Safety

CONCORD, NH - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte and the Executive Council approved a major statewide investment in school safety that will provide first responders with advanced critical incident mapping technology for public schools throughout New Hampshire to help ensure faster, more coordinated responses in the event of an emergency.

"Protecting our children is our most critical responsibility, and I am proud of the investments we've made to maintain a safe learning environment in schools across New Hampshire," said Governor Ayotte. "This new system will give law enforcement and first responders access to critical information in the event of an emergency. Working together, we will continue to keep our schools safe and ensure New Hampshire remains the safest state in the nation."

The contract approved today authorizes up to $2.64 million in Public School Infrastructure funding to create, maintain, and integrate highly detailed critical incident maps for public schools throughout the state. The project will remain in effect through June 30, 2032.

"Protecting the safety of New Hampshire's students, educators, and school communities is one of our highest priorities. This contract strengthens our ability to provide first responders with the accurate, real-time information they need to act quickly and effectively in an emergency. By improving coordination and response readiness, we're taking an important step toward protecting every child and every adult in our schools," said Commissioner Caitlin D. Davis of the New Hampshire Department of Education. "By supporting this work at the statewide level, we are also ensuring that every community has the same access to these critical tools."

Since taking office, Governor Ayotte has prioritized student and school safety, with the Department of Education allocating $8 million in Security Action for Education (SAFE) grants to fund school safety improvement projects across the state in February of this year. The Governor also directed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) to resume quarterly meetings of the School Safety Preparedness Task Force and look at how the State can build on progress made to better protect students, educators, and support staff.

"The school mapping project is a great step toward making our schools safer," said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. "This continued grant funding shows that the Granite State is committed to providing peace of mind to students, staff and parents."

Key accomplishments and ongoing initiatives related to school safety include:

• Statewide training and preparedness
  • Implemented active shooter and hostile-event response training statewide for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other first responders.
  • Expanded school-based exercises and coordinated training programs for School Resource Officers and emergency personnel.
• School readiness and compliance
  • Completed over 1,300 school safety assessments since the program began in 2014.
  • Achieved 99% compliance among public schools with required Emergency Operations Plans.
• Facility and communication improvements
  • Supported school safety upgrades through SAFE grants and best-practice guidance for facility improvements.
  • Enhanced emergency communications through improved alert systems, interoperable radio guidance, and 911 labeling support.
• Mental health and prevention
  • Expanded access to mental health training, wellness initiatives, and prevention programs to support proactive, comprehensive school safety efforts.
  • Looking ahead, the State will continue to build on this progress in 2026, formalizing the School Safety Preparedness Task Force under the Advisory Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Security.