Dr. Curtis Cain, superintendent of the Rockwood School District, expressed disappointment after the district failed to receive any of the $70 million in state school safety grant funds allocated by Missouri. Rockwood was one of only nine public districts statewide that applied but did not receive funding. Despite prioritizing safety with four armed district school safety officers, Rockwood’s requests were rejected twice in the funding rounds. The state allocated grants to 95% of public and private schools that applied, with funded districts using the money for various safety upgrades, such as high-visibility cameras and emergency kits. In contrast, both Rockwood and Ladue Schools in the area did not receive any funds. The state has not disclosed the scoring criteria for applications, citing confidentiality.
