PRESS RELEASE:
August 14,2025
Oregon CUSD #220 Invests $500,000 Federal COPS Grant to Enhance School Safety
Oregon CUSD #220 has completed a major school safety initiative funded by a $500,000 School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). This competitive federal grant supports evidence-based technologies and measures to improve security in K–12 schools nationwide.
“This grant enables us to elevate safety across our district in ways that were previously out of reach,” said PJ Caposey, Superintendent of Oregon CUSD #220. “From secure access control to instant mass notifications, every piece of this initiative is designed to protect our students and empower our staff in critical moments. We can accurately say that our buildings are the safest they have ever been for students and staff.”
The three-year grant funded four major projects across the district:
- Key-Fob Secured Interior Doors – All classroom and office doors now remain locked during the school day, accessible only via key-fob technology. This enhances security by limiting unauthorized access, enabling quick lockdowns when needed, and maintaining ease of entry for authorized staff.
- Expanded Security Camera Coverage – Additional cameras have been installed to increase visibility across school buildings and grounds. The expanded coverage improves real-time situational awareness, deters potential threats, and assists with investigations.
- Centegix Safety Platform – Oregon CUSD #220 has deployed the Centegix wearable alert system, allowing staff to discreetly trigger an emergency alert with precise location information. When activated, it initiates a campus-wide response that includes visual and auditory alarms, immediate administrator and first responder notification, and real-time tracking—without relying on Wi-Fi or cell service.
- InformaCast Mass Notification and Reunification System – This platform delivers emergency messages instantly through multiple channels, including IP phones, speakers, mobile devices, and digital signage. In addition to crisis alerts, InformaCast helps track students and staff during emergencies and streamlines reunification processes.
Shawn Gadow, the district’s Technology Director and project lead, noted, “Leading this project has been incredibly rewarding. Implementing Centegix and InformaCast transforms our emergency response—from passive planning to active protection—so every second counts when safety is on the line.”
The COPS SVPP grant provides up to $500,000 per award and covers up to 75% of project costs, with recipients providing the remaining match. Funding is available for security improvements such as access control, surveillance systems, and mass notification platforms. Oregon CUSD #220’s comprehensive approach ensures that the district remains proactive in creating a safe environment for students and staff